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 sp ra, coil; see spire2.]
spi ral·ly adv. |
spiral Noun
1. Geom a plane curve formed by a point winding about a fixed point at an ever-increasing distance from it
2. something that follows a winding course or that has a twisting form
3. Econ a continuous upward or downward movement in economic activity or prices
Adjective
having the shape of a spiral: a spiral staircase
Verb
[-ralling, -ralled] or US [-raling, -raled]
1. to follow a spiral course or be in the shape of a spiral
2. to increase or decrease with steady acceleration: oil prices continue to spiral [Latin spira a coil]
spirally adv
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. | spiral - a plane curve traced by a point circling about the center but at increasing distances from the center |
| 2. | spiral - a curve that lies on the surface of a cylinder or cone and cuts the element at a constant angledouble helix - a pair of parallel helices intertwined about a common axis; "the shape of the DNA molecule is a double helix" |
| 3. | spiral - a continuously accelerating change in the economyeconomic process - any process affecting the production and development and management of material wealth inflationary spiral - an episode of inflation in which prices and wages increase at an increasing rate and currency rapidly loses value deflationary spiral - an episode of deflation in which prices and wages decrease at an increasing rate and currency gains in value |
| 4. | spiral - ornament consisting of a curve on a plane that winds around a center with an increasing distance from the center |
| 5. | spiral - a structure consisting of something wound in a continuous series of loops; "a coil of rope"hank - a coil of rope or wool or yarn structure, construction - a thing constructed; a complex entity constructed of many parts; "the structure consisted of a series of arches"; "she wore her hair in an amazing construction of whirls and ribbons" |
| 6. | spiral - flying downward in a helical path with a large radiusrotary motion, rotation - the act of rotating as if on an axis; "the rotation of the dancer kept time with the music" |
| Verb | 1. | spiral - to wind or move in a spiral course; "the muscles and nerves of his fine drawn body were coiling for action"; "black smoke coiling up into the sky"; "the young people gyrated on the dance floor"turn - change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense; "Turn towards me"; "The mugger turned and fled before I could see his face"; "She turned from herself and learned to listen to others' needs" |
| 2. | spiral - form a spiral; "The path spirals up the mountain"curve, wind, twist - extend in curves and turns; "The road winds around the lake"; "the path twisted through the forest" |
| 3. | spiral - move in a spiral or zigzag courseturn - change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense; "Turn towards me"; "The mugger turned and fled before I could see his face"; "She turned from herself and learned to listen to others' needs" |
| Adj. | 1. | spiral - in the shape of a coilcoiled - curled or wound (especially in concentric rings or spirals); "a coiled snake ready to strike"; "the rope lay coiled on the deck" |
spiral
Translations
spiral [ˈspaɪərl] n →
espiral fvi [prices] → dispararse;
spiral [ˈspaɪərl] n →
spirale f
spiral [ˈspaɪərl] n →
Spirale fthe inflationary spiral →
die Inflationsspirale
spiral [ˈspaɪərl] n →
spirale fvi [
prices] →
salire vertiginosamente;