Meaning & use
spiral
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A curve that winds continuously around a fixed center point while moving steadily away from or toward it.
See it in a sentence
The staircase wound upward in a tight spiral.
The economy fell into a spiral of rising prices and falling wages.
A note on using this word
Spiral is frequently used figuratively to describe a situation that worsens or intensifies continuously, such as a 'downward spiral.'
Words with a similar meaning
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Another way to use it
2. verb
To move in a spiral course, often while steadily worsening or intensifying.
His mood began to spiral after the bad news.
3. adjective
Shaped like or forming a spiral.
The plant grew spiral tendrils along the trellis.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “spiral”, then compare your use with the examples above.