spiral
Plural: spirals
Noun
- a plane curve traced by a point circling about the center but at increasing distances from the center
- a curve that lies on the surface of a cylinder or cone and cuts the element at a constant angle
- a continuously accelerating change in the economy
- ornament consisting of a curve on a plane that winds around a center with an increasing distance from the center
- a structure consisting of something wound in a continuous series of loops
- flying downward in a helical path with a large radius
- A curve that is the locus of a point that rotates about a fixed point while continuously increasing its distance from that point.
- A helix.
- A self-sustaining process with a lot of momentum involved, so it is difficult to accelerate or stop it at once.
- A section of track that forms a circle and crosses over itself, used for gaining height in mountainous territory.
Verb
Verb Forms: spiraled, spiralling, spirals
- To move or form in a continuous curve that winds around a central point.
- to wind or move in a spiral course
- form a spiral
- "The path spirals up the mountain"
- move in a spiral or zigzag course
- To move along the path of a spiral or helix.
- To cause something to spiral.
- To increase continually.
Adjective Satellite
- in the shape of a coil
Adj
- Helical, like a spiral.
Examples
- Her debts were spiralling out of control.
- His score began to SPIRAL upwards after several strategic Words With Friends plays.
- The falling leaves spiralled down from the tree.
- You need to learn how to spiral a ball.
Origin / Etymology
From Middle French spirale, from Medieval Latin spiralis, from Latin spīra, from Ancient Greek σπεῖρα (speîra, “wreath, coil, twist”).
Synonyms
coil, coiling, corkscrew, gyrate, helical, helix, spiraling, turbinate, volute, voluted, whorl, whorled
Scrabble Score: 8
spiral: valid Scrabble (US) TWL Wordspiral: valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
spiral: valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary