spiral
A shape that winds around a central point, becoming gradually further from or closer to it. It looks like a circle that never closes, continuing to grow or shrink in a curve.
Examples
3 of 5The shell has a beautiful spiral pattern on the outside.
The sea object has a curved winding design on the exterior.
The architect included a spiral staircase to save space in the building.
The designer used a winding set of stairs to use less room.
Check out the cool spiral on this big lollipop!
Look at the neat winding shape on this large candy!
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of a Snail's shell; both 'Snail' and 'Spiral' start with 'S' and have that winding shape.
Quick Quiz
The water went down the drain in a fast _______.
Correct!
The correct answer is: spiral
Examples
The shell has a beautiful spiral pattern on the outside.
everydayThe sea object has a curved winding design on the exterior.
The architect included a spiral staircase to save space in the building.
formalThe designer used a winding set of stairs to use less room.
Check out the cool spiral on this big lollipop!
informalLook at the neat winding shape on this large candy!
Astronomers observed a spiral galaxy through the large telescope.
academicScientists saw a winding group of stars using the magnifying tool.
The company is worried about a downward spiral in sales this month.
businessThe business is concerned about a continuous fall in selling items.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
spiral out of control
to get worse very quickly and become impossible to stop
death spiral
a process that leads quickly to failure or destruction
inflationary spiral
a situation where prices and wages keep rising together
Often Confused With
A circle stays the same distance from the center, while a spiral moves away from it.
A coil is often a series of loops of the same size, while a spiral usually expands.
Usage Notes
Use 'spiral' as a noun to describe a physical shape or as a verb to describe something moving in that shape or changing rapidly. It is very common in both physical descriptions (stairs, shells) and abstract situations (economics).
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes use 'spiral' when they mean 'circle'. Remember that a spiral does not return to the same starting point like a perfect circle does.
Memory Tip
Think of a Snail's shell; both 'Snail' and 'Spiral' start with 'S' and have that winding shape.
Word Origin
Derived from the Greek 'speira', meaning a coil or twist.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
Spirals are universal symbols in art and nature, often representing growth, energy, and the cycle of life in many ancient cultures.
Quick Quiz
The water went down the drain in a fast _______.
Correct!
The correct answer is: spiral
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