Spiral

Quick meaning: Spiral is a noun meaning (geometry) A curve that is the locus of a point that rotates about a fixed point while continuously increasing its distance from that point.

Meaning

(geometry) A curve that is the locus of a point that rotates about a fixed point while continuously increasing its distance from that point.

More Meanings

1. (informal) A helix.
2. A self-sustaining process with a lot of momentum involved, so it is difficult to accelerate or stop it at once.
3. (rail transport) A section of track that forms a circle and crosses over itself, used for gaining height in mountainous territory.
4. Helical, like a spiral.
5. (intransitive) To move along the path of a spiral or helix.
6. (transitive) To cause something to spiral.
7. (figuratively, intransitive) To increase continually.

Example Sentences

She spiralled into a deep depression.

You need to learn how to spiral a ball.

Her debts were spiralling out of control.

The falling leaves spiralled down from the tree.

Word Forms

• spirals
• spiraling
• spiralling
• spiraled
• spiralled

Synonyms for spiral

Depending on context, synonyms include swirl, billow, gyrate, spire, coil, whorl.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include helix, helical, voluted, gyrate, coil, coiled.

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