Spiring

spire ¹  (spr)

n.

1. A top part or point that tapers upward; a pinnacle.

2. A structure or formation, such as a steeple, that tapers to a point at the top.

3. A slender, tapering part, such as a newly sprouting blade of grass.

v. spired, spir·ing, spires

v.tr.

To furnish with a spire.

v.intr.

To rise and taper steeply.

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[Middle English, from Old English spr.]

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spire ²  (spr)

n.

1.

a. A spiral.

b. A single turn of a spiral; a whorl.

2. The area farthest from the aperture and nearest the apex on a coiled gastropod shell.

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[Latin spra, coil, from Greek speira.]