spi·ral
(spī́rəl)
[Medieval Latin spīrālis, of a spiral, from Latin spīra, coil; see spire2.]
noun
- A curve on a plane that winds around a fixed center point at a continuously increasing or decreasing distance from the point.
- A three-dimensional curve that turns around an axis at a constant or continuously varying distance while moving parallel to the axis; a helix.
- Something having the form of such a curve: a spiral of black smoke.
- Printing A spiral binding.
- The course or flight path of an object rotating on its longitudinal axis.
- A continuously accelerating increase or decrease: the wage-price spiral.
adjective
- Of or resembling a spiral.
- Circling around a center at a continuously increasing or decreasing distance.
- Coiling around an axis in a constantly changing series of planes; helical.
- Printing Relating to or having a spiral binding: a spiral notebook.
verb: -raled, also -ralled, -ral·ing, -ral·ling, -rals, -rals
intransitive verb
- To take a spiral form or course.
- To rise or fall with steady acceleration.
transitive verb
- To cause to take a spiral form or course.
derivatives
- spi·raĺi·ty
- noun
- spíral·ly
- adverb
