n.
Pronunciation: ' spin
Function: verb
Inflected Form: spun \ ' sp ə n \ ; spin · ning
Etymology: Middle English spinnen, from Old English spinnan; akin to Old High German spinnan to spin and perhaps to Lithuanian sp ę sti to set (a trap)
Date: before 12th century
intransitive verb
1 : to draw out and twist fiber into yarn or thread
2 : to form a thread by extruding a viscous rapidly hardening fluid ― used especially of a spider or insect
3 a : to revolve rapidly : GYRATE b : to feel as if in a whirl : REEL <my head is spinning >
4 : to move swiftly especially on or as if on wheels or in a vehicle
5 : to fish with spinning bait : TROLL
6 a of an airplane : to fall in a spin b : to plunge helplessly and out of control
7 : to engage in spin control (as in politics)
transitive verb
1 a : to draw out and twist into yarns or threads b : to produce by drawing out and twisting a fibrous material
2 : to form (as a web or cocoon) by spinning
3 a : to stretch out or extend (as a story) lengthily : PROTRACT ― usually used with out b : to evolve, express, or fabricate by processes of mind or imagination < spin a yarn>
4 : to cause to whirl : impart spin to < spin a top>
5 : to shape into threadlike form in manufacture also : to manufacture by a whirling process
6 : to set (records or compact discs) rotating on a player : PLAY < spin some discs>
7 : to present (as information) with a particular spin < spin the statistics>
– spin one's wheels : to make futile efforts to achieve progress