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Spun Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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spun

[spÊŒn ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

past tense

Spun is the past tense of spin, which means to rotate or revolve around an axis. It can also refer to producing thread or yarn by twisting fibers together. In a more abstract sense, it can describe shaping a narrative or story.

Synonyms

revolved, rotated, swirled, twirled.

Examples of usage

  • She spun the wheel to see where it would land.
  • He spun a tale of adventure that captivated the audience.
  • The child spun around joyfully in the playground.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In physics, spinning is an important concept related to angular momentum, which is the quantity of rotation of an object.
  • Spinning plays a key role in various scientific phenomena, such as the rotation of planets and the behavior of particles in accelerators.
  • The process of spinning can create centrifugal force, which helps in separating substances in various industrial applications.

Pop Culture

  • The term 'spun' has been used in various musical contexts, like songs discussing the feeling of being dizzy or disoriented.
  • In the film industry, 'Spun' is also the title of a cult classic film that explores the lives of drug addicts and their surroundings.
  • Popular spinning dances like the 'Twist' and 'Hula Hooping' highlight how spinning is a common movement in entertainment and exercise.

Literature

  • Spinning is often used as a metaphor in literature, representing the weaving of tales, dreams, or destinies.
  • In fairy tales, spinning can symbolize transformation, like in the story of Rumpelstiltskin where straw is spun into gold.
  • Famous poets have used the idea of spinning to illustrate the passage of time, such as in metaphors about fate and life cycles.

Origin of 'spun'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'spun' comes from the Old English word 'spinnan', which means to twist or draw out threads.
  • Historically, many cultures used spinning to make yarn or thread from natural fibers, leading to the creation of textiles.
  • The transformation of fibers into thread is a practice that dates back to ancient civilizations, including the Egyptians and Chinese.

The word 'spun' originates from Old English 'spinnan', which means to spin or to twist. It has cognates in several Germanic languages, such as Old Norse 'spinna' and Middle Dutch 'spinnen', both of which carry the same meaning. The transformation of the word into its past tense form 'spun' follows the strong verb pattern typical of English, where vowels change when moving to different tenses. Over time, the term has diversified in its usage, now encompassing not just physical rotation but also metaphorical applications, such as spinning a story or concept. This evolution reflects the flexibility of language and how words can grow to embody new ideas while retaining their core meanings.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,751 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.