spiral

nounadjectiveverbattested in dialogue

Canada//ˈspaɪɹəl//
Australia//ˈspɑɪɹəl//

A curve that is the locus of a point that rotates about a fixed point while continuously increasing its distance from that point.

noun

1
A curve that is the locus of a point that rotates about a fixed point while continuously increasing its distance from that point.
2
informalA helix.
3
A self-sustaining process with a lot of momentum involved, so it is difficult to accelerate or stop it at once.
My beloved friends and family who sustained and grounded me as I fell into the rabbit hole of this project or down the spiral of new parenthood.
4
A section of track that forms a circle and crosses over itself, used for gaining height in mountainous territory.

Etymology

From Middle French spirale, from Medieval Latin spiralis, from Latin spīra, from Ancient Greek σπεῖρα (speîra, “wreath, coil, twist”).

adjective

1
Helical, like a spiral.
The formation of tornados and water-spouts is very probably identical with that of dust-storms and "devils," viz., a sudden disturbance of the vertical equilibrium of the atmosphere, where by an upward rush of air is generated, which rapidly becomes spiral.

verb

1
To move along the path of a spiral or helix.
The falling leaves spiralled down from the tree.
2
To cause something to spiral.
You need to learn how to spiral a ball.
3
figurativeTo increase continually.
Her debts were spiralling out of control.
Excessive contrarianism against the liberal establishment has also resulted in slopulism spiralling off into the most moronic of conspiracy theories.
4
To decline mentally.
She spiralled into a deep depression.
This one girl taps my insecurities / Don't know if it's real or if I'm spiraling / One voice tells me that they laugh / George says I'm just paranoid

Forms

plural: spirals
past tense: spiraled, spiralled
past participle: spiraled, spiralled
present participle: spiraling, spiralling
third person singular: spirals

spine · A series of bones situated at the back from the head to the…spinning · The motion of something that spins.spins · vertigo

spiral · A curve that is the locus of a point that rotates about a fixed point while continuously increasing its distance from that point.

spirit · The soul of a person or other creature.spirited · Lively, vigorous, animated or courageous.spirits · Distilled alcoholic beverages.

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