spiraling

spi·ral  (sprl)

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.

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[Medieval Latin sprlis, of a spiral, from Latin spra, coil; see spire².]

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spi·rali·ty (sp-rl-t) n.

spiral·ly adv.

Thesaurus

Adj.

1.

spiraling - in the shape of a coil               coiling, helical, spiral, volute, voluted, whorled, turbinate coiled - curled or wound (especially in concentric rings or spirals); "a coiled snake ready to strike"; "the rope lay coiled on the deck"