spiral
adjective
[ ˈspʌɪr(ə)l ]
• winding in a continuous and gradually widening (or tightening) curve, either round a central point on a flat plane or about an axis so as to form a cone.
• "a spiral pattern"
spiral
noun
• a spiral curve, shape, pattern, or object.
• "a spiral of smoke"
Similar:
coil,
helix,
curl,
corkscrew,
twist,
gyre,
whorl,
scroll,
curlicue,
convolution,
volute,
volution,
• a progressive rise or fall of prices, wages, etc., each responding to an upward or downward stimulus provided by a previous one.
• "an inflationary spiral"
spiral
verb
• move in a spiral course.
• "a wisp of smoke spiralled up from the trees"
• show a continuous and dramatic increase.
• "inflation continued to spiral"
Similar:
soar,
shoot up,
rocket,
increase rapidly,
rise rapidly,
leap up,
escalate,
climb,
mount,
skyrocket,
go through the ceiling,
go through the roof,
Origin:
mid 16th century (as an adjective): from medieval Latin spiralis, from Latin spira ‘coil’ (see spire2).
