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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.
    
3. Any of various rotating shafts that serve as axes for larger rotating parts
   - mandrel, mandril, arbor [N. Amer, Austral], arbour [Brit, Cdn]
    
4. A stick or pin used to twist the yarn in spinning
    
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