What is spiral? How to use in English

Definition & pronunciation of spiral

spiralnoun
xoắn ốc
/ˈspaɪrəl//ˈspaɪrəl/

Where does the word spiral come from?

The word "spiral" comes from the Latin "spiralilis," which is derived from the Greek "σπιραリス" (spiralēs), meaning "twisted." The Greek word is itself derived from the verb "τρυπ kvinna_ λαω" (tribō), meaning "to turn or twist." The Latin term was used to describe the shape of the nautilus shell, which appears to be twisted or wound in a continuous spiral. The word "spiral" has been used in English since the 15th century to describe this curved or twisted shape, and has since been applied to a wide range of contexts, including mathematics, architecture, and biology. Today, the term is used to describe not only the shape of the nautilus shell, but also spiral patterns found in nature, such as the spirals of a seashell or the arms of a galaxy.

Vocabulary summary spiral

type adjective

meaning spiral

example spiral spring

type noun

meaning spiral

example spiral spring

meaning (aviation) spiral flight

meaning gradual increase, gradual rise; gradual decrease, gradual fall (of price...)

Example of vocabulary spiralnamespace

a shape or design, consisting of a continuous curved line that winds around a central point, with each curve further away from the centre

The birds circled in a slow spiral above the house.
A spiral of smoke rose from the chimney.
The chocolate fudge melted into a decadent spiral as we cut into the cake.
The tornado spun through the small town, leaving a spiral of destruction in its path.
The shell curled into a spiral shape as it opened, revealing a tiny crustacean inside.

a continuous harmful increase or decrease in something, that gradually gets faster and faster