B1nounsocietyscience
US/ˈspaɪ.rəl/
UK/ˈspaɪə.rəl/
a shape that winds round and round, or a situation that gets worse or bigger quickly
In context
A spiral of smoke rose from the old chimney into the gray sky.
The country was caught in a downward spiral of debt and unemployment.
We climbed a narrow spiral staircase to reach the top of the tower.
Words that go with spiral
adjective + noun
- downward spiralHis health entered a downward spiral after the surgery.
- inflationary spiralHigher wages can start an inflationary spiral.
- vicious spiralPoverty can trap families in a vicious spiral.
noun + noun
- spiral staircaseThe library has a beautiful spiral staircase.
noun + preposition
- a spiral of violenceThe city fell into a spiral of violence.
- spiral of declineThe company was in a spiral of decline.