Reading Theme:
Spiral: Definition, Usage & Examples (3 meaning)
Meaning 1：coiled (spiral)
spiral
/ˈspaɪrəl/
adj., v., n.
shaped like a curve that winds round and round, getting closer to or further from a central point.
coiled
➕
/koɪld/
adj., v., n.
Describing something that has a continuous curved shape which winds around a central point, either getting closer to or further from it.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'spira' meaning 'coil', related to Greek 'speira'.
💡 Mnemonic
Spire + All = SPIRAL, like a church spire that coils all around as it goes up.
📖 Example
The children were excited to go down the spiral slide at the playground.
The children were excited to go down the coiled slide at the playground.
🔗 Collocations
spiral staircase – A staircase that winds around a central pole.
spiral notebook – A notebook with pages bound by a coiled wire.
spiral galaxy – A galaxy with a central bulge and arms that coil outwards.
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
spirally (adv.) – In a spiral manner or pattern.
📖 Cultural Story
Derived from Latin 'spira' (coil). Used in mathematics to describe the Archimedean spiral and in nature to describe patterns like galaxies and shells, symbolizing continuous growth or decline.
Meaning 2：escalate rapidly (spiral)
spiral
/ˈspaɪrəl/
adj., v., n.
to increase or decrease rapidly and continuously in a way that is difficult to control.
escalate rapidly
➕
/ˈeskəleɪt ˈræpɪdli/
adj., v., n.
To increase or decrease in a rapid and uncontrollable manner, often with a sense of acceleration.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
After the storm damaged the crops, the price of vegetables began to spiral.
After the storm damaged the crops, the price of vegetables began to escalate rapidly.
🔗 Collocations
spiral out of control – To become uncontrollable and worsen quickly.
spiral into debt – To fall into an increasingly serious state of owing money.
downward spiral – A situation that continuously gets worse.
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
spiraling (adj.) – Rising or falling rapidly and uncontrollably.
Meaning 3：helix (spiral)
spiral
/ˈspaɪrəl/
adj., v., n.
a shape that curves and winds around a central point, like a spring or the pattern on a seashell.
helix
➕
/ˈhiːlɪks/
adj., v., n.
A shape or object that follows a continuous curved path around a central point, forming a series of circles that get larger or smaller.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The scientist studied the spiral of the DNA double helix under the microscope.
The scientist studied the helix shape of the DNA double helix under the microscope.
🔗 Collocations
logarithmic spiral – A spiral whose distance from the pole increases geometrically.
spiral of silence – A theory about people's reluctance to express minority opinions.
vicious spiral – A worsening cycle of cause and effect.
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
spirality (n.) – The quality or state of being spiral.
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