Main Entry: ¹spin·dle

Pronunciation: \ˈspin-d^əl\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English spindel, from Old English spinel; akin to Old English spinnan to spin

Date: 12th century

1 a : a round stick with tapered ends used to form and twist the yarn in hand spinning b : the long slender pin by which the thread is twisted in a spinning wheel c : any of various rods or pins holding a bobbin in a textile machine (as a spinning frame) d : the pin in a loom shuttle e : a device usually consisting of a long upright pin in a base on which papers can be stuck for filing —called also spindle file
2 : something shaped like a spindle: as a : a spindle-shaped network of chiefly microtubular fibers along which the chromosomes are distributed during mitosis and meiosis b : muscle spindle
3 a : the bar or shaft usually of square section that carries the knobs and actuates the latch or bolt of a lock b (1) : a turned often decorative piece (as in a baluster) (2) : newel c (1) : a revolving piece especially when thinner than a shaft (2) : a horizontal or vertical axle revolving on pin or pivot ends d : the part of an axle on which a vehicle wheel turns