spire

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Literary

n. the top part of something that ends in a sharp point.

n. the uppermost point or summit of something, especially when tapering to a sharp point.

“The mountain spire was hidden behind a thick layer of grey clouds.”

“The jagged rock spires of the mountain range presented a formidable challenge to even the most experienced climbers.”

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Technical · Literary

n. a shape that winds around a central point, like a coil.

n. a spiral or a single turn of a spiral; one of the sinuous coils of a serpent.

“The shell had a beautiful spire that twisted perfectly to a point.”

“The biologist noted the distinct number of spires on the snail's shell, which helped identify the specific subspecies.”

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Science Technical

n. a tube used to carry fire to an explosive charge.

n. a tube or fuse used for communicating fire to the charge in blasting operations.

“The miners carefully set the spire before moving to a safe distance.”

“In historical mining practices, the spire was a critical component for ensuring the controlled detonation of the rock face.”

C2 · Proficiency Literary

v. to grow tall and thin rather than spreading out.

v. to sprout or grow upwards in a tapering fashion; to germinate and send forth shoots.

“The young plants began to spire toward the sunlight in the greenhouse.”

“As spring arrived, the wheat began to spire, its green shoots reaching upward with remarkable speed after the heavy rains.”