1. A plane curve traced by a point circling about the centre but at increasing distances from the centre
   "The galaxy had a beautiful spiral shape"
    
2. A curve that lies on the surface of a cylinder or cone and cuts the element at a constant angle
   "The spiral staircase wound its way to the top of the tower";
   - helix
    
3. A structure consisting of something wound in a continuous series of loops
   "a spiral of rope";
   - coil, volute, whorl, helix
    
4. Ornament consisting of a curve on a plane that winds around a centre with an increasing distance from the centre
   "The Ionic column was adorned with a beautiful spiral volute";
   - volute
    
5. A continuously accelerating change in the economy
   "The country entered an inflationary spiral"
    
6. Flying downward in a helical path with a large radius
   "The pilot's spiral descent gave passengers a panoramic view of the city"

1. To wind or move in a spiral course
   "the young people spiralled on the dance floor";
   - gyrate, coil
    
2. Form a spiral
   "The path spirals up the mountain"
    
3. Move in a spiral or zigzag course
   "The plane spiraled through the air to avoid enemy fire";
   - corkscrew

1. In the shape of a coil
   "A spiral spring is depicted by providing thickness to a helix";
   - coiling, helical, spiraling [US], volute, voluted, whorled, turbinate, spiralling [Brit, Cdn]

Derived forms: spirals, spiraled, spiralled, spiralling

See also: coiled

Type of: construction, curve, curved shape, decoration, economic process, ornament, ornamentation, rotary motion, rotation, structure, turn, twist, wind[2]

Encyclopedia: Spiral