Spiral: meaning, definitions and examples

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spiral

[ ˈspaɪrəl ]

Noun / Verb

Shapes

^{Context #1 | Noun}

mathematics

A curve which winds around a fixed center point in increasingly larger or smaller loops, making a constant angle with a straight line from the center.

Synonyms

coil, helix, twist.

Examples of usage

The nautilus shell is a natural example of a spiral in nature.
The galaxy is formed in a spiral shape.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

art

A shape that starts from a point in the center and moves outward in a circular motion.

Synonyms

corkscrew, volute, whorl.

Examples of usage

The artist created a beautiful spiral design on the canvas.
The staircase has a spiral structure.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

motion

To move in a spiral course.

Synonyms

coil, twist, whirl.

Examples of usage

The airplane spiraled down towards the runway.
The tornado spiraled across the landscape.

Translations

Translations of the word "spiral" in other languages:

🇵🇹 espiral

🇮🇳 सर्पिल

🇩🇪 Spirale

🇮🇩 spiral

🇺🇦 спіраль

🇵🇱 spirala

🇯🇵 螺旋 (らせん)

🇫🇷 spirale

🇪🇸 espiral

🇹🇷 spiral

🇰🇷 나선 (naseon)

🇸🇦 لولب

🇨🇿 spirála

🇸🇰 špirála

🇨🇳 螺旋 (luóxuán)

🇸🇮 spirala

🇮🇸 spírall

🇰🇿 спираль

🇬🇪 სპირალი

🇦🇿 spiral

🇲🇽 espiral

Etymology

The word 'spiral' originated from the Middle French word 'espiral', which came from the Medieval Latin 'spiralis', meaning 'winding around a fixed center'. The concept of spirals has been observed in nature since ancient times, with examples like seashells, galaxies, and weather patterns. Spirals have been used in art and architecture for their aesthetic appeal and mathematical significance.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,805 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

...
6802 fascinating
6803 linen
6804 shrugged
6805 spiral
6806 plantation
6807 breathe
6808 insulation
...