spiral
n. · v. · adj.-
1 geometric shape (n.) B2 Upper Intermediate Matha curve that winds around a central point, getting wider as it goes.
a curve on a plane that winds around a fixed center point at a continuously increasing or decreasing distance.
ExampleThe shell of the snail was a perfect brown spiral.
ExampleThe architect designed a grand spiral staircase that served as the focal point of the museum's central atrium.
-
2 uncontrolled situation (n.) B2 Upper Intermediatea situation that gets worse and worse very quickly and feels impossible to stop.
a continuous and often accelerating decline or increase, typically one that is perceived as being out of control.
ExampleThe company entered a downward spiral after its main product failed.
ExampleEconomists feared that the rising cost of energy would trigger an inflationary spiral that the central bank could not easily contain.
Show 2 more sensesShow fewer
-
3 to change rapidly (v.) B2 Upper Intermediateto increase or decrease very quickly in a way that cannot be controlled.
to increase or decrease rapidly and uncontrollably, often used in economic or emotional contexts.
ExamplePrices began to spiral out of control during the summer months.
ExampleAfter the scandal broke, the politician's approval ratings began to spiral, leading to an emergency meeting with his advisors.
-
4 shaped like a spiral (adj.) B2 Upper Intermediatehaving the shape of a curve that winds around a center.
possessing a helical or spiral form; typically used as an attributive adjective before a noun.
ExampleShe bought a spiral notebook for her chemistry class.
ExampleThe galaxy's spiral arms contain a high concentration of young, blue stars and interstellar gas.
From Middle French spirale, from Medieval Latin spiralis, from Latin spīra, from Ancient Greek σπεῖρα (speîra, “wreath, coil, twist”).