spiral
/ˈspaɪrəl/
verb
- To move in a spiral path or shape.
- The smoke spiraled up from the chimney.
- The leaves spiraled down from the tree in the autumn wind.
- A hawk spiraled slowly above the field.
- To increase or decrease continuously and often uncontrollably, usually in a negative way.
- Without proper treatment, his health could spiral downward quickly.
- Violence in the region began to spiral out of control.
- The cost of living has spiraled upward in recent years.
adjective
- Having the shape of a spiral; winding around a central point.
- The spiral staircase led to the top of the lighthouse.
- She used a spiral notebook for her class notes.
- The galaxy has a beautiful spiral structure.
noun
- A shape or curve that winds around a central point, getting farther away from it as it goes.
- A seashell often has a natural spiral shape.
- The artist drew a beautiful spiral on the paper.
- The staircase in the old tower was a narrow spiral.
- A continuous and often uncontrollable increase or decrease in something, especially in a negative direction.
- Her anxiety sent her into a spiral of negative thoughts.
- The country's economy entered a downward spiral after the crisis.
- The team's losing streak created a spiral of low morale.