spiraling (B1)
noun, verb
Pronunciation: /ˈspaɪərəl/
Definition
A curve which winds outwards or inwards around a central point, like a coiled spring.
Examples
The galaxy had a beautiful spiral shape.
The price of gas continues to spiral upwards.
He watched the smoke spiral towards the ceiling.
How to Use spiraling
- spiral upwards (collocation)
- To increase rapidly in value or amount. — "Inflation is expected to spiral upwards next year."
- spiral downwards (collocation)
- To decrease rapidly in value or amount. — "The company's profits began to spiral downwards."
- spiral into (prepositional phrase)
- To enter a state or situation, typically a negative one, that becomes increasingly difficult to escape. — "The country spiraled into civil war."
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