spiral

Definition

• n. a plane curve traced by a point circling about the center but at increasing distances from the center
• n. a continuously accelerating change in the economy
• n. ornament consisting of a curve on a plane that winds around a center with an increasing distance from the center
• n. flying downward in a helical path with a large radius

Word forms

Present participle

spiralling

Past tense

spiralled

Third person singular

spirals

Past participle

spiralled

Example sentences

1. n.

   The staircase had a beautiful spiral design that made it look elegant.

2. a.

   The helicopter made a spiral ascent into the sky.

3. vi.

   The plane began to spiral downwards as it approached the runway.

4. vt.

   The artist used the brush to spiral the paint around the canvas.