spiral etymology

Etymology

The word "spiral" comes from the Greek word "σπείρα" (speira), meaning "coil" or "ring." It is related to the verb "σπείρω" (speirō), meaning "to wind" or "to coil."

Meaning and Origin

A spiral is a curve that follows the shape of a helix, a three-dimensional curve that winds around an axis while gradually increasing in radius. Spirals can be found in nature, such as in the shell of a snail or the arrangement of leaves on a plant stem. They can also be created artificially, such as when a coil is wound around a cylinder.

Spirals have been used throughout history as decorative elements, both in art and architecture. They can also be found in science, where they are used to describe the movement of objects, such as the trajectory of a planet around the sun.

The iconic double spiral symbol has been used in many different cultures around the world. In Celtic culture, it is known as the "Triskele" or "Triskelion" and represents the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. In Hinduism, it is known as the "Sri Yantra" and is considered to be a sacred geometric symbol.

spiral relate terms

  • aspirin

    Etymology Latin Aspirina German Aspirin Greek Aspis asp or viper irin ingre

  • spiral

    Etymology The word spiral comes from the Greek word σπείρα speira meaning c

  • Sparta

    Etymology The name Sparta derives from the ancient Greek word Σπάρτη Spartē

  • spiral

    Etymology The word spiral comes from the Greek word σπείρα speira meaning c

  • helix

    Etymology The word helix comes from the Greek word ἕλιξ helix which means s

  • helix

    Etymology The word helix comes from the Greek word ἕλιξ helix which means s

  • helicopter

    Etymology The word helicopter is derived from the Greek words helix ἕλιξ mea

  • periwinkle

    Etymology Old English pervinke from Late Latin pervinca from Latin perviridis

  • vise

    Etymology Middle English vis from Old French vis from Latin vitis meaning vine

  • curl

    Etymology The word curl originated from Middle English curle which is likely derived

  • scroll

    Etymology The word scroll traces its origins back to the Old French word escroulle

  • khan

    Etymology The name Khan is derived from the Mongolian and Turkic word Khagan which m

  • wind

    Etymology of Wind The English word wind originates from the Old English word wind

  • curve

    Etymology The word curve originates from the Latin word curvus which means bent o