spiral

Meanings

Noun

• A curve that is the locus of a point that rotates about a fixed point while continuously increasing its distance from that point.
• A helix.
• A self-sustaining process with a lot of momentum involved, so it is difficult to accelerate or stop it at once.
• A section of track that forms a circle and crosses over itself, used for gaining height in mountainous territory.

Adjective

• Helical, like a spiral.

Verb

• To move along the path of a spiral or helix.
• To cause something to spiral.
• To increase continually.

Origin

• From Middle French spirale, from Medieval Latin spiralis, from Latin spira, from Ancient Greek σπείρα ("wreath, coil, twist").