spindle

¹spin·dle

noun \ˈspin-d^əl\

Definition of SPINDLE

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

Origin of SPINDLE

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

First Known Use: 12th century

Other Cell Biology Terms

cytology, gamete, vacuole, zygote

Rhymes with SPINDLE

bindle, brindle, dwindle, kindle, swindle

²spindle

verb

spin·dledspin·dling \ˈspin(d)-liŋ, ˈspin-d^əl-iŋ\

Definition of SPINDLE

intransitive verb

1

: to shoot or grow into a long slender stalk

2

: to grow to stalk or stem rather than to flower or fruit

transitive verb

1

: to impale, thrust, or perforate on the spike of a spindle file

2

: to make or equip (as a piece of furniture) with spindles

— spin·dler \ˈspin(d)-lər, ˈspin-d^əl-ər\ noun

First Known Use of SPINDLE

1577

spin·dle

noun \ˈspin-d^əl\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of SPINDLE

1

: something shaped like a round stick or pin with tapered ends: as a : a network of chiefly microtubular fibers along which the chromosomes are distributed during mitosis and meiosis b : muscle spindle

2

: sleep spindle