spin

/spin/

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The word "spin" can be used as both a noun and a verb, and it has several meanings depending on the context. Let’s break it down to make it easy to understand.

As a Noun:

1. Interpretation or Perspective: "Spin" can refer to a way of presenting information, especially by politicians or public figures, to influence how people think about something. For example:

   • Example: "The campaign put a favorable spin on the story," meaning they presented the story in a way that made it look good.

2. Quick Ride: It can also mean a short drive in a car.

   • Example: "He took the new car for a spin," meaning he drove the new car for a little while.

3. Rapid Rotation: "Spin" can describe the act of rotating quickly.

   • Example: "He gave the crank a spin," meaning he turned the crank around quickly.

4. Descent of an Aircraft: In aviation, it refers to a rapid descent in a steep spiral.

   • Example: "The plane went into a spin before it could regain control."

As a Verb:

1. To Twist or Turn: "Spin" means to twist or turn something around quickly.

   • Example: "She had to spin the story to make it sound better," meaning she changed how the story was told.

2. To Make Thread: It can also mean to turn natural fibers into thread, like how spiders create webs.

   • Example: "Spiders spin a fine web," meaning they create their webs by making threads.

3. To Cause to Rotate: "Spin" can mean to cause something to rotate around its own axis.

   • Example: "The kids spun around in circles," meaning they turned around quickly.

Advanced Usage:

1. "Spin out": This phrasal verb means to prolong something or to extend an event or situation longer than necessary.

   • Example: "They decided to spin out the meeting to discuss more details."

2. "Spin a yarn": This idiom means to tell a story, usually a long or imaginative one that may not be completely true.

   • Example: "He likes to spin a yarn about his adventures."

Different Meanings:

• Physical Spin: The act of rotating or whirling.
• Figurative Spin: The interpretation of information to sway opinions, often used in politics.

Synonyms:

• For the noun (interpretation): twist, slant, perspective.
• For the verb (to rotate): whirl, twirl, revolve.

Word Variants:

• Spinner (noun): Someone or something that spins, like a spinning top or a person who spins thread.
• Spinning (gerund/noun): The act of rotating or making thread.

Summary:

"Spin" is a versatile word that can mean physical rotation or a figurative interpretation of information. Whether you're talking about taking a car for a short drive or twisting a story to make it sound better, "spin" can be used in many ways.

Academic

Noun

1. a distinctive interpretation (especially as used by politicians to sway public opinion)
   • the campaign put a favorable spin on the story
2. rapid descent of an aircraft in a steep spiral
3. a short drive in a car
   • he took the new car for a spin
4. the act of rotating rapidly
   • he gave the crank a spin
   • it broke off after much twisting
5. a swift whirling motion (usually of a missile)

Verb

1. prolong or extend
   • spin out a visit
2. twist and turn so as to give an intended interpretation
   • The President's spokesmen had to spin the story to make it less embarrassing
3. work natural fibers into a thread
   • spin silk
4. form a web by making a thread
   • spiders spin a fine web
5. make up a story
   • spin a yarn
6. cause to spin
   • spin a coin
7. stream in jets, of liquids
   • The creek spun its course through the woods
8. revolve quickly and repeatedly around one's own axis
   • The dervishes whirl around and around without getting dizzy

Synonyms

• tailspin
• twirl
• twist
• twisting
• whirl
• spin out
• birl
• spin around
• reel
• gyrate