spiral

/spˈa‍ɪ‍əɹə‍l/

/ˈspaɪɹəɫ/

[noun] [adjective] [verb]

Spiral

[NOUN]

(geometry) a curved shape or design that gradually winds around a center or axis

synonyms : helix

a plane curve traced by a point circling about the center but at increasing distances from the center

flying downward in a helical path with a large radius

a structure consisting of something wound in a continuous series of loops

synonyms : coil

helix

volute

whorl

ornament consisting of a curve on a plane that winds around a center with an increasing distance from the center

synonyms : volute

a process where something continuously gets better or worse over a period of time

spiral

[ADJECTIVE]

gradually winding around a center or axis forming a curved shape

synonyms : coiling

eggs of female fish

to spiral

[VERB]

MAIN VERB

to wind or move in a spiral course

synonyms : coil

gyrate

move in a spiral or zigzag course

synonyms : corkscrew

form a spiral

to increase in a rapid and uncontrollable way

Examples

1. How COVID spiraled out of control In Nepal.

2. After being caught in a lie, I realized how quickly it can spiral out of control.

3. We also held two very topical sponsored roundtable events this month which attempt to predict how the land lies in manufacturing and on spiralling inflation.

4. Spirals take on wildly different appearances depending on their angle to us.

Nearby words

spiral ratchet screwdriver