Spiral

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈspaɪɹəl/
• Rhymes: -aɪɹəl

Origin

Via Medieval Latin spiralis from Latin spira

Full definition of spiral

Noun

1. (geometry) A curve that is the locus of a point that rotates about a fixed point while continuously increasing its distance from that point.
2. (informal) A helix.
3. A self-sustaining process with a lot of momentum involved, so it is difficult to accelerate or stop it at once.

Derived terms

Adjective

1. Helical, like a spiral

Verb

1. (intransitive) To move along the path of a spiral or helix.The falling leaves spiralled down from the tree.
2. (figuratively, intransitive) To increase continually.Her debts were spiralling out of control.

Anagrams

• Aprils