Spiral

Definition

Spiral can function as a noun meaning a curve that winds around a central point and moves progressively farther from or closer to it; as a verb meaning to move or cause to move in a continuous winding or circling path; it may also be used metaphorically to describe rapid or uncontrollable change.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb (intransitive/transitive)

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA: /ˈspaɪrəl/
• Respelling: SPY‑rul

British English

• IPA: /ˈspaɪrəl/
• Respelling: SPY‑rul

Etymology

Late Middle English: from Old French spiral or late Latin spiralis ‘coiled,’ from Latin spira ‘coil,’ from Greek speira ‘coil, twist.’

Derivatives

• spirally (adverb)
• spiraled/spiralled (verb past, adjective)
• spiraling/spiralling (gerund/participle)
• spiralize (verb)
• spiralization (noun)

Synonyms

• coil
• helix
• twist
• curl
• loop

Antonyms

• straighten
• untwist
• flatten

Usage

Noun: The noun "spiral" is used in mathematical, architectural, and natural contexts to describe a winding curve or form. For example, "The staircase features a spiral design that saves space," or "Fibonacci discovered the logarithmic spiral in sunflower seed arrangements."

Verb: The verb "spiral" is used to describe movement in a winding path or rapid change. For example, "Leaves spiraled to the ground in the autumn breeze," or "Housing prices have spiraled out of control."

Related Terms

• Helix: A three‑dimensional spiral.
• Coil: A length of something wound in loops.
• Vortex: A spiral motion of fluid or air.
• Loop: A shape produced by a curve that bends and crosses itself.
• Fibonacci sequence: A sequence whose geometric representation creates a spiral pattern in nature.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A curve that winds around a central point, moving progressively farther from or closer to it – a shape often seen in shells, galaxies, and architectural features.
  • Example: "The nautilus shell displays a perfect natural spiral."
• An object or form shaped like such a curve – including springs, staircases, and helical patterns.
  • Example: "He replaced the broken spiral spring in the mattress."

Verb

• To move in a continuous winding or circling path – to coil or twist around a center.
  • Example: "The dancer’s scarf spiraled gracefully through the air."
• To increase or decrease rapidly in a continuous and often uncontrollable way – used metaphorically for trends or quantities.
  • Example: "Stress levels spiraled upward as the deadline approached."