spiral

Meaning

Noun

1. 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.
4. A section of track that forms a circle and crosses over itself, used for gaining height in mountainous territory.

Adj

Helical, like a spiral.

Verb

1. (intransitive) To move along the path of a spiral or helix.
2. (transitive) To cause something to spiral.
3. (figuratively, intransitive) To increase continually.

Synonyms

coil

helix

helical

volute

whorl

screw

curl

loop

➿

twist

whorled

twine

twirl

spire

turbinate

circle

⭕

entwine

coiled

roll

corkscrew

coiling

wind

winding

worm

🪱

propeller

scroll

📜

tortuous

bolt

gyrate

round

convulate

ring

💍

wreathe

spiry

spiraling

sinuous

snake

🐍

lap

swirl

spin

voluted

involute

intrauterine device

hover

convolve

circumnavigate

gyre

roundabout

go around

conch

circulate

Translations

spirale

Spirale

spirale

espiral

spiraal

espiral

espiral

hélice

elica

Schraube

spiralförmig

sarmal

helica

hélicoïdal

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈspaɪɹəl/

Etymology

From Middle French spirale, from Medieval Latin spiralis, from Latin spīra, from Ancient Greek σπεῖρα (speîra, “wreath, coil, twist”).