/tayl"spin'/ , n. , v. , tailspinned, tailspinning .
n. Also, tail spin .
1. spin (def. 24).
2. a sudden and helpless collapse into failure, confusion, or the like.
v.i.
3. to take or experience a sudden and dramatic downturn: After the mill closes, the local economy may tailspin.
[ 1910-15; TAIL 1 + SPIN ]