transcription, транскрипция: [ spaɪərəl ]
( spirals, spiralling, spiralled)
Note: in AM, use 'spiraling', 'spiraled'
1.
A spiral is a shape which winds round and round, with each curve above or outside the previous one.
N-COUNT
•
Spiral is also an adjective.
...a spiral staircase.
ADJ : ADJ n
2.
If something spirals or is spiralled somewhere, it grows or moves in a spiral curve.
Vines spiraled upward toward the roof...
A joss stick spiralled smoke.
VERB : V adv / prep , V n , also V
•
Spiral is also a noun.
Larks were rising in spirals from the ridge.
N-COUNT
3.
If an amount or level spirals , it rises quickly and at an increasing rate.
Production costs began to spiral.
...a spiralling trend of violence...
The divorce rate is spiralling upwards.
VERB : V , V -ing , V adv / prep
•
Spiral is also a noun.
...an inflationary spiral.
...a spiral of debt.
N-SING : with supp
4.
If an amount or level spirals downwards, it falls quickly and at an increasing rate.
House prices will continue to spiral downwards.
VERB : V adv / prep