1. (biology) tiny fibers that are seen in cell division; the fibers radiate from two poles and meet at the equator in the middle
   "chromosomes are distributed by spindles in mitosis and meiosis"
    
2. A piece of wood that has been turned on a lathe; used as a baluster, chair leg, etc.
   "The craftsman carved intricate designs into the spindles of the rocking chair"
    
3. Any of various rotating shafts that serve as axes for larger rotating parts
   "The machinist used a spindle to shape the cylindrical workpiece";
   - mandrel, mandril, arbor [N. Amer, Austral], arbour [Brit, Cdn]
    
4. A stick or pin used to twist the yarn in spinning
   "The spinner deftly used the spindle to create fine thread"
    
5. Any holding device consisting of a rigid, sharp-pointed object
   "the spindle pierced the receipts and held them in order";
   - spike

Derived forms: spindles

Type of: fiber [US], fibre [Brit, Cdn], holding device, piece, rotating shaft, shaft, stick

Part of: drive, spinning frame, spinning wheel

Encyclopedia: Spindle, Shuttle, and Needle