n.
Pronunciation: ' sp ī -r ə l
Function: adjective
Etymology: Medieval Latin spiralis, from Latin spira coil ― more at SPIRE
Date: 1551
1 a : winding around a center or pole and gradually receding from or approaching it <the spiral curve of a watch spring> b : HELICAL c : SPIRAL-BOUND <a spiral notebook>
2 : of or relating to the advancement to higher levels through a series of cyclical movements
– spi · ral · ly \ -r ə -l ē \ adverb