spiral
/ˈspaɪɹəl/
noun
- 1
A curve that is the locus of a point that rotates about a fixed point while continuously increasing its distance from that point.
- 2
A helix.
- 3
A self-sustaining process with a lot of momentum involved, so it is difficult to accelerate or stop it at once.
verb
- 1
To move along the path of a spiral or helix.
“The falling leaves spiralled down from the tree.”
- 2
To cause something to spiral.
“You need to learn how to spiral a ball.”
- 3
To increase continually.
“Her debts were spiralling out of control.”
adjective
- 1
Helical, like a spiral
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