from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Spiral \Spi"ral\, n. [Cf. F. spirale. See {Spiral}, a.]
1. (Geom.) A plane curve, not reentrant, described by a
point, called the generatrix, moving along a straight line
according to a mathematical law, while the line is
revolving about a fixed point called the pole. Cf.
{Helix}.
[1913 Webster]
2. Anything which has a spiral form, as a spiral shell.
[1913 Webster]
{Equiangular spiral},a plane curve which cuts all its
generatrices at the same angle. Same as {Logarithmic
spiral}, under {Logarithmic}.
{Spiral of Archimedes}, a spiral the law of which is that the
generatrix moves uniformly along the revolving line, which
also moves uniformly.
[1913 Webster]