spin

²spin

noun

Definition of SPIN

1

a : the act of spinning or twirling something; also : an instance of spinning or of spinning something <doing axels and spins> <an assortment of spins and lobs> b : the whirling motion imparted (as to a ball or top) by spinning c : an excursion or ride in a vehicle especially on wheels <go for a spin>

2

a : an aerial maneuver or flight condition consisting of a combination of roll and yaw with the longitudinal axis of the airplane inclined steeply downward b : a plunging descent or downward spiral c : a state of mental confusion <all in a spin>

3

a : a quantum characteristic of an elementary particle that is visualized as the rotation of the particle on its axis and that is responsible for measurable angular momentum and magnetic moment b : the angular momentum associated with such rotation whose magnitude is quantized and which may assume either of two possible directions; also : the angular momentum of a system of such particles derived from the spins and orbital motions of the particles

4

a : a usually ingenious twist <puts an Asian spin on the pasta dishes> b (1) : a special point of view, emphasis, or interpretation presented for the purpose of influencing opinion <put the most favorable spin on the findings> (2) : spin control

— spin·less \ˈspin-ləs\ adjective

Examples of SPIN

1. the direction of the Earth's spin
2. The ice-skater executed graceful jumps and spins.
3. A baseball thrown with spin is harder to hit.
4. She put spin on the ball.
5. The bowler put a sideways spin on the ball.
6. Each author puts a new spin on the story.
7. They claim to report the news with no spin.
8. He took me for a spin in his new car.
9. Would you like to go for a spin?

First Known Use of SPIN

1831

Related to SPIN

Synonyms: gyration, pirouette, reel, revolution, roll, rotation, twirl, wheel, whirl

Related Words: circuit, circulation, ring, round; coil, curl, curve, spiral, twist, whorl; circle, orbit; eddy, swirl

Near Antonyms: alertness, levelheadedness

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Other Aeronautics/Aerospace Terms

airway, apron, corridor, dirigible, fishtail, flat-hat, vector