English-English Dictionary

Meaning of the word spiral in English

What does spiral mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

spiral

US /ˈspaɪr.əl/
UK /ˈspaɪə.rəl/
"spiral" picture

Noun

1.

a curve which winds round a central point, getting further or closer to it as it revolves

Example:
•
The staircase wound upwards in a graceful spiral.
•
The smoke rose in a slow spiral.
Synonym:
coil helix volute whorl corkscrew
2.

a continuous and dramatic increase or decrease in something

Example:
•
The country is in an economic spiral of decline.
•
The company entered a downward spiral after the scandal.
Synonym:
vortex whirlpool downward trend upward trend

Verb

1.

move in a spiral course

Example:
•
The plane began to spiral downwards after the engine failed.
•
The path spirals up the hillside.
Synonym:
coil swirl twist wind revolve
2.

undergo a continuous and dramatic increase or decrease

Example:
•
Prices continued to spiral upwards.
•
His mental health began to spiral downwards.
Synonym:
escalate plummet deteriorate worsen improve

Adjective

winding in a continuous curve

Example:
•
The artist created a beautiful spiral design.
•
The galaxy has a distinct spiral arm structure.
Synonym:
helical coiled winding twisted
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Related Word:
spiralizer spiral-bound spiral notebook death spiral spiral down