spiral

• Describe algo que tiene forma de espiral, es decir, curva que gira alrededor de un punto central alejándose o acercándose progresivamente; también se usa en sentido figurado para referirse a un aumento o disminución continuo y a menudo acelerado.

Describes something that has a winding, circular shape like a coil; also used figuratively to describe a continuous and often accelerating increase or decrease.

1. Coil-shapedB1formal

   Having the shape of a continuous curve that winds around a central point or axis.

   espiral

   • The staircase had a spiral design.
   • A spiral galaxy has a distinctive shape.
   • The artist drew a spiral pattern on the canvas.

   Sinónimoscoiledconvolutedcorkscrewhelicaltwistingvolutewhorledwinding

• Sustantivo que designa una curva que se enrolla alrededor de un punto central o de un eje, acercándose o alejándose gradualmente de él, o un proceso continuo y a menudo acelerado de cambios.

A noun referring to a curve that winds around a central point or axis, getting progressively closer to or farther from it, or a continuous and often accelerating process of change.

1. Geometric curveB2formal

   A plane curve traced by a point circling around a center while moving away from it at a constant rate.

   Espiral (curva geométrica)

   • The artist drew a perfect spiral on the canvas.
   • A spiral staircase winds around a central pole.
   • The galaxy has a beautiful spiral shape.

   Sinónimoscoilcurlvolutewhorl

2. Helical curveC1formal

   A curve that lies on the surface of a cylinder or cone and cuts the element at a constant angle.

   Espiral helicoidal

   • The DNA molecule has a double spiral structure.
   • The spring is made of a tightly wound spiral of metal.
   • The drill bit has a spiral groove to remove debris.

   Sinónimoscoilcorkscrewscrewtwist

3. Economic changeB2formal

   A continuously accelerating change in the economy, often referring to inflation or debt.

   Espiral económica

   • The country entered a deflationary spiral after the crisis.
   • Rising prices created a wage-price spiral.
   • The economy is stuck in a downward spiral of debt.

   Sinónimosvicious circlevicious cycle

4. Decorative ornamentB2formalart

   An ornament consisting of a curve on a plane that winds around a center with an increasing distance from the center.

   Espiral decorativa

   • The ancient vase was decorated with a gold spiral.
   • The building's facade features intricate spiral patterns.
   • The carpet had a spiral design in the center.

   Sinónimosvolute

5. Coiled structureB1formal

   A structure consisting of something wound in a continuous series of loops.

   Espiral (estructura enrollada)

   • The spiral of the seashell is perfectly formed.
   • The rope was coiled into a tight spiral.
   • The spring is a spiral of steel wire.

   Sinónimoscoilconvolutioncorkscrewcurltwistvolutewhorl

6. Flight pathC1formal

   Flying downward in a helical path with a large radius.

   Espiral de descenso

   • The eagle descended in a slow spiral.
   • The plane entered a spiral before crashing.
   • The hawk circled downward in a tight spiral.

   Sinónimoscorkscrewgyre

• Verbo que denota un movimiento continuo en forma de espiral o círculo, o un aumento o disminución progresivo y a menudo acelerado.

A verb used to indicate a continuous and often accelerating increase or decrease, or a twisting, circular motion.

1. Move in a spiral courseB2formal

   To wind or move in a continuous, widening, or tightening circular path.

   espiralar

   • The smoke spiraled upward from the chimney.
   • The eagle spiraled down toward its prey.
   • The leaves spiraled in the autumn wind.

   Sinónimoscoilcurlgyrateswirltwirltwistwhirlwind

2. Form a spiral shapeB2formal

   To take on or create a shape that winds around a central point.

   Formar una espiral

   • The staircase spiraled elegantly up the tower.
   • The DNA molecule spirals into a double helix.
   • The vines spiraled around the old fence.

   Sinónimoscoilcurltwinetwistwindwreathe

3. Move in a zigzag or winding pathB2informal

   To move in a twisting, winding, or zigzagging course.

   Moverse en espiral

   • The road spiraled up the steep mountain.
   • The car spiraled down the narrow alley.
   • The path spiraled through the dense forest.

   Sinónimoscoilcorkscrewcurlgyrateloopmeandersnaketwirltwistwhirlwind