spiral

Definitions


[ˈspʌɪrəl], (Adjective)

Definitions:
- winding in a continuous and gradually widening (or tightening) curve, either round a central point on a flat plane or about an axis so as to form a cone
(e.g: a spiral pattern)


Phrases:

Origin:
mid 16th century (as an adjective): from medieval Latin spiralis, from Latin spira ‘coil’ (see spire)


[ˈspʌɪrəl], (Noun)

Definitions:
- a spiral curve, shape, pattern, or object
(e.g: a spiral of smoke)

- a progressive rise or fall of prices, wages, etc., each responding to an upward or downward stimulus provided by a previous one
(e.g: an inflationary spiral)


Phrases:

Origin:
mid 16th century (as an adjective): from medieval Latin spiralis, from Latin spira ‘coil’ (see spire)


[ˈspʌɪrəl], (Verb)

Definitions:
- move in a spiral course
(e.g: a wisp of smoke spiralled up from the trees)

- show a continuous and dramatic increase
(e.g: inflation continued to spiral)


Phrases:

Origin:
mid 16th century (as an adjective): from medieval Latin spiralis, from Latin spira ‘coil’ (see spire)




definition by Oxford Dictionaries