spiral
/ˈspaɪərəl; `spaɪrəl/ adj
advancing or ascending in a continuous curve that winds round a central point 螺旋形的; 盘旋的
a spiral staircase 螺旋式楼梯
A snail's shell is spiral in form. 蜗牛壳是螺旋形的. spiral, n
1
(a) spiral line 螺线.
(b) object that has a spiral shape 螺旋状的物体.
2 continuous increase or decrease in two or more quantities alternately because each depends on the other(s) 互为前提的至少两个量之间的交替上升或下降
an inflationary spiral 螺旋式上升的通胀
the spiral of rising wages and prices 工资和物价的交替上升.
3 (idm 习语) a vicious spiral => vicious. spiral, v (-ll-; US also -l-)
1 [Ipr, Ip] move in a spiral course 螺旋形移动; 盘旋移动
The falling leaf spiralled to the ground. 落叶盘旋著飘到了地上.
The smoke spiralled upwards. 那股烟袅袅上升.
2 [I, Ip] increase or decrease continuously 连续增长或减少
Prices are still spiralling, ie increasing rapidly. 物价仍在急剧上涨.