Spiralling: meaning, definitions and examples

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spiralling

 

[หˆspaษชษ™rษ™lษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

motion, descent

To spiral means to move in a circular or helical path, often downward. This word is commonly used to describe the motion of objects that rotate around a point, such as a bird spiraling down to the ground or a roller coaster gaining speed as it descends in a spiral. Spiraling can also metaphorically refer to situations that worsen over time, resembling a downward spiral in relationships or economic conditions.

Synonyms

coiling, corkscrewing, twisting, whirling.

Examples of usage

  • The plane was spiraling down after the engine failure.
  • Her thoughts began spiraling out of control during the stressful meeting.
  • The roller coaster spiraled thrillingly towards the ground.
  • As the storm approached, the leaves spiraled down from the trees.
Context #2 | Adjective

figurative, decline

Spiraling can also describe something that is experiencing an uncontrolled or rapid decline. This usage often encompasses various aspects of life, such as mental health or financial stability. When someone talks about spiraling into depression or debt, they mean that the situation is deteriorating quickly and may feel overwhelming or unmanageable.

Synonyms

declining, deteriorating, falling, plummeting.

Examples of usage

  • He felt himself spiraling into a deep depression.
  • Their finances are spiraling out of control.
  • The company is spiraling into bankruptcy.
  • She watched her plans spiraling away from her grasp.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'spiralis', which means 'twisted' or 'helical'.
  • The base form of the term can be traced back to the late 14th century, indicating a form of twisting.
  • It has expanded in usage over time beyond physical forms to describe emotional or conceptual states.

Mathematics

  • In mathematics, a spiral can be defined as a curve that emanates from a point, moving farther away as it revolves around that point.
  • Common examples include the Archimedean spiral, which has a constant distance between each turn.
  • Spirals play a crucial role in various fields, from physics to biology, representing growth patterns or orbits.

Psychology

  • The term is often used metaphorically to describe mental states, such as a 'spiral of negative thoughts'.
  • Spiralling emotions can lead to anxiety, where feelings seem to grow or complicate over time.
  • Therapeutic practices often aim to help individuals break free from negative spirals, moving towards healthier thought patterns.

Art and Culture

  • Famous artworks like Leonardo da Vinci's 'The Virgin of the Rocks' feature spiral compositions that draw the viewer's eye.
  • In architecture, spirals are prevalent in designs, from ancient structures to modern buildings, symbolizing dynamism.
  • Many folk dances include spiraling movements, reflecting cultural significance in various traditions.

Science

  • In nature, spirals are seen in galaxies, weather patterns like cyclones, and even in the arrangement of seeds in a sunflower.
  • Spirals can be found in the structure of DNA, showcasing the significance of this shape in biology.
  • The Fibonacci sequence often results in spiral patterns in organisms, illustrating the connection between mathematics and nature.

Translations

Translations of the word "spiralling" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น espiralando

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค˜เฅเคฎเคพเคตเคฆเคพเคฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช spiralend

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ berputar

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ัะฟั–ั€ะฐะปะตะฒะธะน

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ spiralny

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚นใƒ‘ใ‚คใƒฉใƒซใ™ใ‚‹

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท spiralant

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ en espiral

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท spiral

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋‚˜์„ ํ˜•์˜

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฏูˆุงู…ุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ spirรกlovรฝ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ spirรกlovรฝ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ่žบๆ—‹็š„

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ spiralen

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ snรบningur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ัะฟะธั€ะฐะปัŒะดั‹

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒกแƒžแƒ˜แƒ แƒแƒšแƒฃแƒ แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ spiral

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ en espiral

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,102, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.