Definition

1. Noun:
   • A structure consisting of something wound in a continuous series of loops: This refers to a spiral or coiled arrangement, such as a coil of rope.
   • A strand or cluster of hair: This meaning describes a circular arrangement of hair, often forming a curl or ringlet.
   • A round shape formed by a series of concentric circles: This describes a pattern of circles within circles, commonly seen in the arrangement of leaves, petals, or other natural parts around a central point.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The potter carefully shaped the whorl of clay on the wheel.
  • A loose whorl of hair fell across her forehead.
  • Botanists study the whorl of petals in a flower for classification.

Advanced Usage

• "In whorl": Arranged in a circular, spiral pattern.
  • The leaves grow in whorl around the stem.
• "Fingerprint whorl": A specific pattern in a fingerprint characterized by concentric circles.
  • The detective identified the suspect by the unique whorl pattern.

Variants and Related Words

• Whorled (adj): Arranged in or forming whorls.
  • The plant has whorled leaves.

Synonyms

• Coil: A length of something wound in a joined sequence of rings.
• Spiral: A curve that winds around a central point.
• Ringlet: A small ring or circle, especially of hair.
• Verticil (Botany): A whorl of leaves, flowers, or branches.

Related Phrases

• Whorl of leaves: A botanical term for a set of leaves arranged in a circle around a stem.
• Shell whorl: A single complete spiral turn in the shell of a mollusk.

Related Idioms

• "To be caught in a whorl": To be trapped in a confusing, circular, or repetitive situation (less common, figurative).
  • He felt caught in a whorl of bureaucratic procedures.

Noun

1. a structure consisting of something wound in a continuous series of loops
   • a coil of rope
2. a strand or cluster of hair
3. a round shape formed by a series of concentric circles (as formed by leaves or flower petals)