Main Entry: ¹spi·ral

Pronunciation: \ˈspī-rəl\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Medieval Latin spiralis, from Latin spira coil — more at spire

Date: 1551

1 a : winding around a center or pole and gradually receding from or approaching it <the spiral curve of a watch spring> b : helical c : spiral-bound <a spiral notebook>
2 : of or relating to the advancement to higher levels through a series of cyclical movements

— spi·ral·ly \-rə-lē\ adverb