(~s, ~ling, ~led)
Note: in AM, use '~ing', '~ed'
1.
A ~ 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 ~ staircase.
ADJ: ADJ n
2.
If something ~s or is ~led somewhere, it grows or moves in a ~ curve.
Vines ~ed upward toward the roof...
A joss stick ~led smoke.
VERB: V adv/prep, V n, also V
•
Spiral is also a noun.
Larks were rising in ~s from the ridge.
N-COUNT
3.
If an amount or level ~s, it rises quickly and at an increasing rate.
Production costs began to ~.
...a ~ling trend of violence...
The divorce rate is ~ling upwards.
VERB: V, V -ing, V adv/prep
•
Spiral is also a noun.
...an inflationary ~.
...a ~ of debt.
N-SING: with supp
4.
If an amount or level ~s downwards, it falls quickly and at an increasing rate.
House prices will continue to ~ downwards.
VERB: V adv/prep