volute

/vəˈlut/
adjective
  1. Having a spiral or coiled form; rolled up.
    • The volute pattern on the wallpaper gave the room an elegant feel.
    • He admired the volute curves of the wrought-iron gate.
    • The volute shape of the fern frond unfurled slowly in the spring.
noun
  1. A spiral or scroll-shaped ornament, especially on the capital of an Ionic or Corinthian column.
    • The ancient Greek temple had beautiful volutes carved into the tops of its columns.
    • She studied the intricate volutes on the marble pillars in the museum.
    • The architect added a volute to each column to give the building a classical look.
  2. A spiral or coiled shape, like a scroll or a snail shell.
    • The artist drew a volute in the corner of the painting to frame the scene.
    • The metal staircase was designed as a volute, twisting upward gracefully.
    • The seashell had a perfect volute that spiraled inward.
  3. A type of marine snail with a spiral shell, or the shell itself.
    • Volutes are known for their glossy, colorful shells.
    • The beachcomber found a beautiful volute washed up on the sand.
    • She added a volute shell to her collection of sea treasures.