spiral
spiral Lexical Profile
spiral Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Winding in a continuous and gradually widening or tightening curve, either around a central point on a flat plane or around an axis in three dimensions.
"A narrow spiral staircase led up to the top of the ancient stone tower."
• noun
A curve or three-dimensional shape that winds continuously around a central point or axis at a steadily increasing or decreasing distance.
"The artist drew a tight geometric spiral in the center of the canvas."
A progressive, self-reinforcing rise or fall of prices, wages, or conditions, especially one that worsens rapidly.
"The central bank intervened to prevent the economy from entering an inflationary spiral."
American In American football, a forward pass in which the ball rotates smoothly around its longitudinal axis while in flight.
"The quarterback threw a tight spiral to the wide receiver near the sideline."
• verb
To show a continuous and dramatic increase or decrease, especially in a way that becomes difficult to control.
"Construction costs began to spiral after supply chain delays disrupted the delivery of materials."
To move in a continuous winding curve around a central point or axis.
"Smoke spiraled slowly upward from the cabin's stone chimney into the crisp morning air."
• Rhymes for spiral
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the mid-16th century from Middle French spiral or Medieval Latin spiralis, derived from Latin spira ('a coil, twist'), ultimately from Ancient Greek speira ('a winding, coil').