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why
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whys and wherefores
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whorl

whorl [ wawrl, wurl, hwawrl, hwurl ] (plural whorls)


noun 
Definition:
 
1. something spiral-shaped: something in the shape of a spiral, coil, or curl

2. anatomy crime pattern on finger: a series of concentric circular or elliptical ridges in the pattern of lines on the gripping surface of a finger or thumb, or this shape seen in a fingerprint

3. botany circle of plant parts: a circular arrangement of three or more leaves, petals, or other plant parts arising at the same level on a stem or other axis, like spokes on a wheel

4. zoology spiral in shell: a turn or coil in a mollusk's shell

[15th century. Alteration of whirl]

whorled adjective
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