Word before "bear" or "vortex" (5)
I believe the answer is:
polar
'word before bear or vortex' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is all the clue.
(Other definitions for polar that I've seen before include "Relating to icy regions" , "- Bear; - coordinates" , "Relating to the highest latitudes" , "Diametrically opposed -- very cold" , "- bear; - cap" .)