spirale
/spiˈra.le/
The English word 'spiral' is translated into Italian as spirale.
In a geometric context, spirale refers to a spiral. You may also encounter the related phrase aumentare vertiginosamente when you need to express the verbal idea of a situation spiraling or increasing continually.
Meaning: geometry (noun)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
spirale is a feminine singular noun. To form the plural, change the ending to spirali.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the second syllable: /spiˈra.le/.
Did you know?
- In common Italian conversation, la spirale is frequently used as a shorthand term for an intrauterine device (IUD) contraceptive.
- While English uses 'spiral' for many things, Italians use the term a chiocciola (meaning 'like a snail') to describe a spiral staircase or a spiral-shaped object.
- The word 'spirale' shares its linguistic roots with the English 'spire', referring to the pointed tops of buildings, because both trace back to the Latin 'spira' meaning a coil or winding.
Examples in context
- Caddi nella spirale nera della sofferenza.I fell into the black spiral of suffering.This sentence shows the use of spirale in a metaphorical sense regarding suffering.Tatoeba #11607048 by Nuel, translation #11607046 by Nuel
- Da una passeggiata nel parco si è trasformato in una discesa in un gorgo seguita da una spirale discendente di risorse inadeguate e tempo insufficiente.From a walk in the park it turned into a descent into maelstrom followed by a dwindling spiral of inadequate resources and insufficient time.This sentence illustrates how spirale can describe a downward trend of resources and time.Tatoeba #5703609 by Sinnefa, translation #2027722 by halfb1t
- I dipinti di Van Gogh spesso presentano una spirale.Van Gogh's paintings often feature a spiral.
- Queste note sono organizzate in una spirale coerente.These notes are organized in a coherent spiral.
- Mi piace disegnare vortici su tutto quello che trovo.I enjoy drawing spirals on everything I find.
- Disegna una spirale sul foglio.Draw a spiral on the paper.
Example conversation
Francesco and Giulia are looking at a piece of art in a museum.
- FrancescoGuarda che forma strana ha questa scultura.Look at the strange shape of this sculpture.
- GiuliaSì, sembra proprio una spirale d'acciaio.Yes, it really looks like a steel spiral.
- FrancescoÈ molto affascinante da osservare.It is very fascinating to observe.
- GiuliaConcordo, Giulia ha ragione a lodarla.I agree, Giulia is right to praise it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “spiral” translations and entries spirale, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
