Whorl
[wɔːl;wɜːl] or [wɝl]
Definition
(n. & v.) A circle of two or more leaves, flowers, or other organs, about the same part or joint of a stem.
(n. & v.) A volution, or turn, of the spire of a univalve shell.
(n. & v.) The fly of a spindle.
Typed by Damian
Definition
n. a number of leaves in a circle round the stem: a turn in a spiral shell: a volution—e.g. in the ear: the fly of a spindle.—p.adj. Whorled having whorls: arranged in the form of a whorl or whorls.
Edited by Denny
Examples
- The shaft and hook of this spindle are made of steel, and the whorl is made partly of steel and also partly of other materials. Plato. The Republic.
- The outermost had the rim broadest, and the inner whorls were smaller and smaller, and had their rims narrower. Plato. The Republic.
- Come, Tarzan, cried D'Arnot, let's see what your whorls look like. Edgar Rice Burroughs. Tarzan of the Apes.
- From infancy to senility the fingerprints of an individual change only in size, except as injuries alter the loops and whorls. Edgar Rice Burroughs. Tarzan of the Apes.
Checked by Blanchard