Spanish Conversation · Level 75
60 words
Spanish word
espiral
Pronunciation
IPA/espiˈɾal/
Meaning
- feminine nounspiral
Example
Se formó una espiral de humo en la cocina.
A spiral of smoke formed in the kitchen.
More examples
La manifestación derivó en una espiral de violencia.
The demonstration developed into a spiral of violence.
Core concept
A series of loops circling a center and advancing inward or outward with each revolution.
Common phrases
espiral de humo
spiral of smoke
espiral de violencia
spiral of violence
en espiral
in a spiral
Similar words
remolino: Temporary circular flow of water or air that spins around a central point, pulling material inward.
caracol: Rounded, tightly coiled shell form of snails and relatives, showing clear successive turns.
Definition in Spanish
Movimiento o forma curva que rodea un centro y progresa hacia fuera o hacia dentro siguiendo vueltas sucesivas.
Word origin
From Latin spiralis, from spira 'coil' or 'turn', used for forms and movements that wind around a center.
Usage tips
- No written accent and plural espirales; use en espiral for motion and expect espiral frequently in visual descriptions (smoke, shells) and in metaphors.
Opposites
- línea rectastraight linenoun
Related words
- espiralizarspiralverb
- espiralizaciónspiralizationnoun