Definition of Spiral

1. Adjective. In the shape of a coil.

Exact synonyms: Coiling, Helical, Spiraling, Turbinate, Volute, Voluted, Whorled
Similar to: Coiled
Derivative terms: Helix, Volute, Volute

2. Verb. To wind or move in a spiral course. "The young people gyrated on the dance floor"
Exact synonyms: Coil, Gyrate
Generic synonyms: Turn
Derivative terms: Coil, Coil, Gyration

3. Noun. A plane curve traced by a point circling about the center but at increasing distances from the center.
Generic synonyms: Curve, Curved Shape

4. Verb. Form a spiral. "The wires spiral around the stick"; "The path spirals up the mountain"
Generic synonyms: Curve, Twist, Wind

5. Noun. A curve that lies on the surface of a cylinder or cone and cuts the element at a constant angle.
Exact synonyms: Helix
Generic synonyms: Curve, Curved Shape
Specialized synonyms: Double Helix

6. Verb. Move in a spiral or zigzag course.
Exact synonyms: Corkscrew
Generic synonyms: Turn

7. Noun. A continuously accelerating change in the economy.
Generic synonyms: Economic Process
Specialized synonyms: Inflationary Spiral, Deflationary Spiral

8. Noun. Ornament consisting of a curve on a plane that winds around a center with an increasing distance from the center.
Exact synonyms: Volute
Generic synonyms: Decoration, Ornament, Ornamentation
Derivative terms: Volute

9. Noun. A structure consisting of something wound in a continuous series of loops. "A coil of rope"
Exact synonyms: Coil, Helix, Volute, Whorl
Specialized synonyms: Hank
Generic synonyms: Construction, Structure
Derivative terms: Coil, Coil, Helical, Volute

10. Noun. Flying downward in a helical path with a large radius.
Generic synonyms: Rotary Motion, Rotation

Definition of Spiral

1. a. Winding or circling round a center or pole and gradually receding from it; as, the spiral curve of a watch spring.

2. n. A plane curve, not reëntrant, described by a point, called the generatrix, moving along a straight line according to a mathematical law, while the line is revolving about a fixed point called the pole. Cf. Helix.

Definition of Spiral

1. Noun. (geometry) A curve that is the locus of a point that rotates about a fixed point while continuously increasing its distance from that point. ¹

2. Noun. (informal) A helix. ¹

3. Adjective. Helical, like a spiral ¹

4. Verb. (intransitive) To move along the path of a spiral or helix. ¹

5. Verb. (figuratively intransitive) To increase continually. ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Spiral

1. to move like a spiral (a type of plane curve) [v -RALED, -RALING, -RALS or -RALLED, -RALLING, -RALS]

Medical Definition of Spiral

1. Of leaves or floral organs, borne at different levels on the main stem, in an ascending spiral. Compare: cyclic. (09 Oct 1997)

Lexicographical Neighbors of Spiral

spinyhead
spiodea
spionkopite
spiperone
spir-
spirable
spiracle
spiracles
spiracular
spiradenitis
spiradenoma
spiraea
spiraeas
spiraeic
spiraeic acid
spiral (current term)
spiral CT
spiral and curved bacteria
spiral arm
spiral arms
spiral bandage
spiral bulbar septum
spiral canal of cochlea
spiral canal of modiolus
spiral cleavage
spiral cochlear ganglion
spiral computed tomography
spiral crest
spiral dance

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