Volute

volute
    adj 1: in the shape of a coil [syn: {coiling}, {helical},
           {spiral}, {spiraling}, {volute}, {voluted}, {whorled},
           {turbinate}]
    n 1: ornament consisting of a curve on a plane that winds around
         a center with an increasing distance from the center [syn:
         {spiral}, {volute}]
    2: a structure consisting of something wound in a continuous
       series of loops; "a coil of rope" [syn: {coil}, {spiral},
       {volute}, {whorl}, {helix}]
    

Volute \Vo*lute"\, n. [F. volute (cf. It. voluta), L. voluta,
   from volvere, volutum, to roll. See {Voluble}.]
   [1913 Webster]
   1. (Arch.) A spiral scroll which forms the chief feature of
      the Ionic capital, and which, on a much smaller scale, is
      a feature in the Corinthian and Composite capitals. See
      Illust. of {Capital}, also {Helix}, and {Stale}.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. (Zool.) A spiral turn, as in certain shells.
      [1913 Webster]

   3. (Zool.) Any voluta.
      [1913 Webster]

   {Volute spiring}, a spring formed of a spiral scroll of
      plate, rod, or wire, extended or extensible in the
      direction of the axis of the coil, in which direction its
      elastic force is exerted and employed.
      [1913 Webster]
    

37 Moby Thesaurus words for "volute":
      anfractuous, cirrus, cochlear, cochleate, coil, corkscrew,
      corkscrewy, curl, curlicue, evolute, gyre, helical, helicoid,
      helix, involute, kink, ringlet, roll, screw, screw-shaped, scroll,
      scrolled, spiral, spiroid, swirl, tendril, turbinal, turbinate,
      twirl, twist, verticillate, voluted, volution, vortex, whirl,
      whorl, whorled