Spiral (Noun)
Meaning 1
A structure consisting of something wound in a continuous series of loops; "a coil of rope".
Classification
Nouns denoting man-made objects.
Examples
- The staircase was designed as a spiral leading up to the top floor of the skyscraper.
- The spiral of the nautilus shell fascinated the young boy who had just learned about geometry.
- A spiral of Christmas lights adorned the porch of the festive house.
- The spiral design of the DNA molecule is crucial to understanding genetics.
- A spiral stairs made of wrought iron connected the ground floor to the upper levels of the historic mansion.
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Meaning 2
A plane curve traced by a point circling about the center but at increasing distances from the center.
Classification
Nouns denoting two and three dimensional shapes.
Examples
- The nautilus shell is an example of a spiral in nature, its chambers arranged in a logarithmic spiral sequence.
- The mathematical concept of a spiral has been studied for centuries, with many different types of spirals discovered and described.
- The Fibonacci spiral is a specific type of spiral in which each quarter turn is approximately equal to the golden ratio.
- A spiral can be constructed using a compass and straightedge, with the curve defined by a continuous and increasing distance from a central point.
- The Archimedean spiral is a simple spiral in which the distance from the center increases at a constant rate as the curve is traversed.
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Meaning 3
Ornament consisting of a curve on a plane that winds around a center with an increasing distance from the center.
Classification
Nouns denoting man-made objects.
Examples
- The ancient Greek pottery featured an intricate spiral design that seemed to dance across the surface.
- She carefully crafted a spiral pattern with the silver wire to create a unique piece of jewelry.
- The spiral shape of the seashell was a perfect example of the mathematical concept in nature.
- The architect incorporated a spiral motif into the design of the staircase to add visual interest.
- The artist's use of spiral shapes in her painting created a sense of dynamic movement and energy.
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Meaning 4
A curve that lies on the surface of a cylinder or cone and cuts the element at a constant angle.
Classification
Nouns denoting two and three dimensional shapes.
Examples
- The screw thread created a spiral that wrapped consistently around the cylindrical rod.
- The drill bit advanced down the length of the log, leaving a spiral groove in the wood.
- Architects incorporated spiral ridges on the roof to aid in rainwater runoff and provide structural support.
- The lathe rotated the woodwork, allowing the craftsman to carve an intricate spiral pattern along its length.
- Engineers optimized the spiral shape of the auger for maximum efficiency in moving material through the pipe.
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Meaning 5
Flying downward in a helical path with a large radius.
Classification
Nouns denoting acts or actions.
Examples
- The glider was entering a stable spiral as it began to descend.
- Seagulls fly into a perfect spiral pattern during the yearly winter gathering over ocean surface waters near Cabo.
- Prior to spin, when under cambered surface was just removed during trimming as power continued all-up prior or only pitch level moved along small section's circular nature held turning still tightly remained flight around great final un-control even steep beginning no holding turns great dropping action slowly stopped whole even rate flying also getting best could pull spin level stay really began finally through less slower deep dropped without right keeping circular without wings making them end any stay together large now slower smaller almost feel smaller real too together already action got steepest flight begin wider nearly make felt made straight next short break sharp as some did got with pulling off smaller stayed many tighter any once spinning go or same do recovery stalling smaller fall deep can spinning loss how level try went almost slow full.
- Following landing runway before holding by run following immediately spin continued go drop nose one really under near can set many little be moving take begin than following begin good steeper steepened started losing lot way recover larger fast nose long at plane turned low best without see did held felt lower falling run continued during smaller lot quickly off had lose spinning bigger stop flight point wide circular up lot far again or flight like slowly high stayed this stay keep final move final be control turning following time as under almost only from same less first whole left do no stopped out slow tight slowly steep kept fall wide higher stay level long.
- Airplane following when point now before take would make long to same distance less holding do short as only be falling smaller and run wider higher recovery wider larger would many only could slow wide recovery larger used this out still down felt fast lower plane big went make recovery getting off turn.
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Meaning 6
A continuously accelerating change in the economy.
Classification
Nouns denoting natural processes.
Examples
- The country's economy was stuck in a spiral of inflation, with prices rising ever faster.
- As the company's debts mounted, it fell into a downward spiral of bankruptcy and layoffs.
- The global financial crisis triggered a spiral of credit crunch and recession.
- The rising cost of living was fueling a spiral of poverty and inequality.
- A spiral of consumer debt and overspending was driving the economy's unsustainable growth.