espiral

spiral

noun ehs-pee-RAHL Rare

Origin: From Latin spira (coil), from Greek speira.

Usage Note

Espiral is feminine as a noun (la espiral) but is also used as an invariable adjective (escalera espiral = spiral staircase). Figuratively, espiral often describes a self-reinforcing cycle (espiral de violencia = spiral of violence, espiral inflacionista = inflationary spiral). The adjective form does not change for gender or number.

Examples

"El humo subía en espiral hacia el cielo."

Natural Translation

The smoke rose in a spiral towards the sky.

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