spi|ral

spi|ral «SPY ruhl», noun, adjective, verb, -raled, -ral|ing or (especially British) -ralled, -ral|ling.

–n.

1. a winding and gradually widening curve or coil. A watch spring is a spiral. The thread of a screw is a spiral.

2. one of the separate circles or coils of a spiral object.

3. Figurative. a continuous and expanding increase or decrease, as in prices, wages, or employment: »

an inflationary spiral, a deflationary spiral.

4. the descent of an aircraft in a spiral path.

5. Football. a kick or pass in which the ball spins through the air on its longer axis.

6. = helix. (Cf. ↑helix)

–adj.

1. winding or coiling around a fixed center while moving away or toward it; coiled; helical: »

a spiral staircase. A snail's shell has a spiral shape.

2. having to do with or like a spiral or coil.

–v.i.

1. to move or wind in a spiral: »

Figurative. There is no security for anyone in a spiraling arms race (Saturday Review).

2. (of an airplane) to descend in a spiral course.

–v.t.

to form into a spiral; approach in a spiral: »

The plane spiraled the airport before landing.

╂[< Medieval Latin spiralis < Latin spīra a coil < Greek speîra]

–spi´ral|ly, adverb.