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1. Dictionary

   spi·ral

   /ˈspīrəl/

   adjective

   • 1. winding in a continuous and gradually widening (or tightening) curve, either around a central point on a flat plane or about an axis so as to form a cone: "a spiral pattern"
   • ▪ winding in a continuous curve of constant diameter about a central axis, as though along a cylinder; helical.
   • ▪ (of a stairway) constantly turning in one direction as it rises, around a solid or open center: "a wrought-iron spiral staircase"
   • ▪ (of a fracture) curving around a long bone lengthwise.
   • ▪ short for spiral-bound

   noun

   • 1. a spiral curve, shape, or pattern: "he spotted a spiral of smoke"
   • ▪ a spiral spring.
   • ▪ short for spiral galaxy
   • 2. a progressive rise or fall of prices, wages, etc., each responding to an upward or downward stimulus provided by a previous one: "an inflationary spiral"
   • ▪ a process of deterioration through the continuous increase or decrease of a specified feature: "a downward spiral of sex and drink"
   • 3. a pass or kick that moves smoothly through the air while spinning on its long axis.

   verb

   • 1. move in a spiral course: "a wisp of smoke spiraled up from the trees" Similar coilwindtwirlswirltwistwreathesnakegyrate
   • ▪ cause to have a spiral shape or follow a spiral course: "spiral the bandage around the injured limb" Similar coilwindtwirlswirltwistwreathesnakegyrate
   • 2. show a continuous and dramatic increase: "inflation continued to spiral" Similar soarshoot uprocketincrease rapidlyrise rapidlyleap upescalateclimbmountinformal:skyrocketgo through the ceilinggo through the roofOpposite fall
   • ▪ decrease or deteriorate continuously: "he expects the figures to spiral down further" Similar deterioratedeclinedegenerateworsenget worseinformal:go downhilltake a nosedivego to potgo to the dogshit the skidsgo down the toiletgo down the tubesOpposite improve

   Word Origin mid 16th century (as an adjective): from medieval Latin spiralis, from Latin spira ‘coil’ (see spire2).

   Derivatives

   • 1. spirally adverb
   • 2. spirality noun

   Scrabble Points: 8

   • S

     1

   • P

     3

   • I

     1

   • R

     1

   • A

     1

   • L

     1

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   More definitions, origin and scrabble points

2. www.merriam-webster.com › dictionary › spiralSpiral Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster

   www.merriam-webster.com › dictionary › spiral

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   Learn the meaning of spiral as an adjective, noun, and verb, with synonyms, examples, and word history. See also related phrases and entries for spiral in the dictionary.

3. dictionary.cambridge.org › dictionary › englishSPIRAL | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary

   dictionary.cambridge.org › dictionary › english

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   Learn the meaning of spiral as a noun, verb and adjective in English, with synonyms, antonyms and related words. Find out how to use spiral in different contexts, such as mathematics, sports, business and politics.

4. Videos

   • 

     1:22

     space.com

     What Is a Spiral Galaxy?

     19 Nov 2018

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     6:43

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     Spiral Symbolism and Meanings Across Time and Cultures

     2 Jun 2020

     11.7K Views

   • 

     10:50

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     What is Spiral Dynamics?

     1 Jan 2019

     17.6K Views

   View all

5. www.vocabulary.com › dictionary › spiralSpiral - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms | Vocabulary.com

   www.vocabulary.com › dictionary › spiral

   A spiral is a coil or curl, like the shape of a piece of hair wound around your finger, a Slinky toy, or a corkscrew. A curve forming a series of circles that become gradually larger or smaller is one kind of spiral.

6. dictionary.cambridge.org › us › dictionarySPIRAL | definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary

   dictionary.cambridge.org › us › dictionary

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   Learn the meaning of spiral as a noun, verb and adjective in English, with examples of different contexts and expressions. Find out how to pronounce spiral and see translations in other languages.

7. www.thefreedictionary.com › spiralSpiral - definition of spiral by The Free Dictionary

   www.thefreedictionary.com › spiral

   • Cached

   A spiral is a curve that winds around a fixed center point at a varying distance, or a three-dimensional curve that turns around an axis. Learn about different types of spirals, their applications, and related terms from various sources.

8. www.dictionary.com › browse › Spiral;SPIRAL Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com

   www.dictionary.com › browse › Spiral;

   • Cached

   Spiral definition: a plane curve generated by a point moving around a fixed point while constantly receding from or approaching it.. See examples of SPIRAL used in a sentence.

9. www.britannica.com › dictionary › spiralSpiral Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary

   www.britannica.com › dictionary › spiral

   • Cached

   Learn the various meanings and uses of the word spiral, from a circular curving line to a situation of continuous change. Find examples, synonyms, and related terms for spiral in Britannica Dictionary.