whorl

whorl
    n 1: a round shape formed by a series of concentric circles (as
         formed by leaves or flower petals) [syn: {coil}, {whorl},
         {roll}, {curl}, {curlicue}, {ringlet}, {gyre}, {scroll}]
    2: a strand or cluster of hair [syn: {lock}, {curl}, {ringlet},
       {whorl}]
    3: a structure consisting of something wound in a continuous
       series of loops; "a coil of rope" [syn: {coil}, {spiral},
       {volute}, {whorl}, {helix}]
    

Whorl \Whorl\, n. [OE. whorvil the whirl of a spindle; akin to
   AS. hweorfa the whirl of a spindle, hweorfan to turn; cf. OD.
   worvel the whirl of a spindle. See {Whirl}, n. & v.]
   [1913 Webster]
   1. (Bot.) A circle of two or more leaves, flowers, or other
      organs, about the same part or joint of a stem.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. (Zool.) A volution, or turn, of the spire of a univalve
      shell.
      [1913 Webster]

   3. (Spinning) The fly of a spindle.
      [1913 Webster]
    

41 Moby Thesaurus words for "whorl":
      cirrus, coil, contort, corkscrew, crinkle, curl, curlicue, eddy,
      evolute, gurge, gyre, helix, intort, involute, kink, meander, purl,
      ringlet, roll, scallop, screw, scroll, serpentine, slink, snake,
      spiral, swirl, tendril, turn, twine, twirl, twist, twist and turn,
      volute, volution, vortex, whirl, whirlpool, wind, worm, wring