spi·ral (sp  r l)n. 1. a. A curve on a plane that winds around a fixed center point at a continuously increasing or decreasing distance from the point. b. A three-dimensional curve that turns around an axis at a constant or continuously varying distance while moving parallel to the axis; a helix. c. Something having the form of such a curve: a spiral of black smoke. 2. Printing A spiral binding. 3. The course or flight path of an object rotating on its longitudinal axis. 4. A continuously accelerating increase or decrease: the wage-price spiral. adj. 1. Of or resembling a spiral. 2. Circling around a center at a continuously increasing or decreasing distance. 3. Coiling around an axis in a constantly changing series of planes; helical. 4. Printing Relating to or having a spiral binding: a spiral notebook. v. spi·raled also spi·ralled, spi·ral·ing also spi·ral·ling, spi·rals also spi·rals v.intr. 1. To take a spiral form or course. 2. To rise or fall with steady acceleration. v.tr. To cause to take a spiral form or course. [Medieval Latin sp r lis, of a spiral, from Latin spra, coil; see spire2.]spi·ral i·ty (sp-r l -t ) n.spi ral·ly adv. |
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