## Meanings
1. A curve that winds around a central point, getting wider or moving along as it turns.
2. Winding in a continuous curve around a center, like a coil.
3. To move in a winding, circular path.
4. To increase or get worse in a continuous, uncontrolled way.

## Examples
- The staircase climbed in a tight spiral to the top of the tower.
- The shell had a beautiful spiral pattern.
- The falling leaves spiraled down from the tree.
- Her debts were spiraling out of control.

## Related Forms
- aspirin
- spirea

## Roots and Affixes
- Root: spirale
- Root: spiralis
- Root: spīra
- Root: σπεῖρα

## Etymology
From Middle French spirale, from Medieval Latin spiralis, from Latin spīra, from Ancient Greek σπεῖρα (speîra, “wreath, coil, twist”).

## AI Etymology
Spiral is from Middle French spirale, from Medieval Latin spiralis, from Latin spīra, from Ancient Greek σπεῖρα (speîra, “wreath, coil, twist”). Important forms in the word's history include Middle French spirale, la-med spiralis, Latin spīra, Ancient Greek σπεῖρα. In current use it includes senses such as A curve that winds around a central point, getting wider or moving along as it turns and Winding in a continuous curve around a center, like a coil.

## Topics
- Space, Position & Direction

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