spindle

• Nom avec plusieurs sens : arbre ou axe rotatif dans les mécanismes ; tige fine utilisée en filature pour tordre et enrouler les fibres ; élément de mobilier en bois tourné ; ou structure de fibres microscopiques impliquée dans la division cellulaire.

A noun with multiple meanings: a rotating shaft or axis in machinery; a thin rod used in spinning for twisting and winding fibers; a turned piece of wood used in furniture; or a structure of tiny fibers involved in cell division.

1. Spindle fibers (biology)C1formalscientific

   A structure of tiny fibers that form during cell division, radiating from two poles and meeting at the cell's equator to help separate chromosomes.

   Fuseau de division (biologie)

   • The spindle fibers attach to the chromosomes during metaphase.
   • Errors in spindle formation can lead to genetic disorders.
   • The drug disrupts the spindle apparatus, stopping cell division.

2. Turned wood pieceB2formal

   A shaped piece of wood, often made on a lathe, used as a decorative or structural element like a baluster or chair leg.

   Pivot en bois tourné

   • The staircase had beautifully carved wooden spindles.
   • He replaced the broken spindle on the antique chair.
   • The craftsman turned a new spindle on his lathe.

   Synonymesturning

3. Rotating shaftB2formaltechnical

   A rotating rod or shaft that serves as an axis for larger rotating parts in machinery.

   Arbre rotatif

   • The spindle of the hard drive spins at high speed.
   • A worn spindle can cause vibrations in the machine.
   • The mechanic replaced the spindle in the motor.

   Synonymesarboraxisaxlemandrelpivotshaft

4. Spinning toolB2formal

   A stick or pin used in spinning to twist fibers into yarn or thread.

   fuseau (de fileuse)

   • She used a spindle to spin wool into yarn.
   • The spinning wheel has a wooden spindle.
   • Traditional spindles are still used in some cultures.

5. Holding deviceB2formal

   Any device with a rigid, sharp point used to hold items, such as a paper spindle or ticket spindle.

   Pique-notes / tige à pointes

   • He impaled the receipt on the metal spindle.
   • The old-fashioned ticket spindle was on the counter.
   • She used a spindle to organize her paperwork.

   Synonymesspike