Geometry . a plane curve generated by a point moving around a fixed point while constantly receding from or approaching it.

a helix.

a single circle or ring of a spiral or helical curve or object.

a spiral or helical object, formation, or form.

Aeronautics . a maneuver in which an airplane descends in a helix of small pitch and large radius, with the angle of attack within that of the normal flight range.

Football . a type of kick or pass in which the ball turns on its longer axis as it flies through the air.

Economics . a continuous increase in costs, wages, prices, etc. (inflationary spiral), or a decrease in costs, wages, prices, etc. (deflationary spiral).

running continuously around a fixed point or center while constantly receding from or approaching it; coiling in a single plane

a spiral curve.

coiling around a fixed line or axis in a constantly changing series of planes; helical.

of or of the nature of a spire or coil.

bound with a spiral binding; spiral-bound

a spiral notebook.

to take a spiral form or course.

to advance or increase steadily; rise

Costs have been spiraling all year.

Aeronautics . to fly an airplane through a spiral course.

to cause to take a spiral form or course.

adjective

straight , uncurling , unwinding

adjective

circling , circular , circumvoluted , cochlear , coiled , corkscrew , curled , helical , helicoid , radial , rolled , screw-shaped , scrolled , tendrillar , tortile , voluted , whorled , wound , cochleate , convoluted , helicoidal , turbinate , turbinated , volute , winding

noun

coil , corkscrew , curlicue , flourish , gyration , gyre , helix , quirk , screw , volute , whorl , circling , cochlear , convolution , curl , curve , curving , gyrate , helical , spirality , tendril , twisting , vortex , winding

verb

coil , corkscrew , curl , entwine , meander , snake , twine , twist , weave , wreathe