Unspool: meaning, definitions and examples

🧶

Add to dictionary

unspool

[ʌnˈspuːl ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Verb}

general action

To unspool means to unwind or release something that has been wound up tightly, such as film, yarn, or thread. This action typically involves letting the material out in a controlled manner, allowing it to fall freely as it becomes uncoiled.

Synonyms

unroll, unwind, unwrap.

Examples of usage

He began to unspool the film from the reel.
She carefully unspooled the thread from the bobbin.
As the kite flew higher, the string was unspooled.
The technician unspooled the cable to test the system.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'unspool' combines the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' or 'to reverse' and 'spool', which refers to a cylinder around which material is wound.
It originates from the process of unwinding film or thread from a spool, a common task in various crafts and media.
The term has been widely used since the early 20th century, particularly with the advent of film and tape technology.

Technology

In digital video editing, 'unspooling' refers to the process of delivering data from a stored format to play it back in real-time.
In computing, the term can also describe retrieving previously stored information for processing or analysis.
The term is increasingly used in data management and software contexts, where systems need to 'unspool' tasks or functions.

Cultural Significance

The phrase 'unspooling a story' often refers to revealing a narrative over time, likened to unwinding a tightly held secret.
In cinema, when a film unspools, it evokes a sense of unfolding moments for the audience, enhancing the experience of storytelling.
In art, performances may utilize unspooling as a metaphor for revealing deeper truths as the layers are unwrapped.

Psychology

The act of unspooling can symbolize a therapeutic process where individuals unravel complex feelings or memories.
In mindfulness practices, unspooling may represent a way to simplify thoughts and emotions, making them easier to understand.
Therapists often encourage clients to 'unspool' their narratives to better cope with stressors and gain insight into their experiences.

Literature

Authors may describe a character’s thoughts as unspooling, illustrating the flow of consciousness and inner dialogue.
The metaphor of unspooling is commonly employed in poetry to express the gradual revealing of feelings or insights.
In suspenseful narratives, events are often unspooled slowly, keeping readers engaged while building tension.