spiral

¹spi·ral

adj \ˈspī-rəl\

Definition of SPIRAL

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

Examples of SPIRAL

1. <a spiral staircase takes visitors up into the Statue of Liberty>

Origin of SPIRAL

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

First Known Use: 1551

Related to SPIRAL

Synonyms: coiling, corkscrew, helical, involute, screwlike, winding

Related Words: circular; curling, curving, swirly, twisting

Near Antonyms: lineal, linear, right, straight

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Rhymes with SPIRAL

chiral, gyral, viral