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| spi·ral [ sprəl ] |
noun (plural spi·rals) |
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| Definition: |
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1. continuous circling flat curve: in mathematics, a flat curve or series of curves that constantly increase or decrease in size in circling around a central point
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2. mathematics
Same as helix (sense 2)
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3. something with curving circular pattern: something that has a helical or spiral form
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4. aviation flight maneuver: a maneuver in which an aircraft makes a continuous banking turn as it descends
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5. economics accelerating economic change: a continuously accelerating increase or decrease in prices, wages, or interest rates
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adjective |
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| Definition: |
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1. continuously circling with flat curves: with a flat curve or series of curves that constantly increase or decrease in size in circling around a central point
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2. helical: like a helix in shape
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verb (past and past participle spi·raled or spi·ralled, present participle spi·ral·ing or spi·ral·ling, 3rd person present singular spi·rals) |
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| Definition: |
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1. transitive and intransitive verb move something in spiral: to move in a spiral, or make something move in a spiral
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2. intransitive verb change at increasing pace: to increase or decrease at a continuously accelerating rate
  spiraling inflation
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3. transitive and intransitive verb shape something like spiral: to take on a spiral shape, or make something take on a spiral shape
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| [Mid-16th century. < medieval Latin spiralis "coiled" < Latin spira (see spire2)] |
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| spi·ral·ly adverb |
| spi·roid [ sp royd ] adjective |
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