Definition of

Spiral

Figure

The curve that arises at a point and progressively moves away from the center while rotating around it is called a spiral.

The first step that must be taken in order to discover the meaning of the term spiral is to proceed to determine its etymological origin. In doing so we come across the fact that it emanates from Latin, specifically spiralis , which can be translated as “helical in shape.” This is a word that is composed of the following parts: spira , which is synonymous with “corkscrew”, and the suffix -al .

A spiral is a flat curve that revolves around a point and, with each of these revolutions, moves further and further away from said point. The spiral, in other words, is the curved line that is generated at a point and that progressively moves away from the center as it rotates around it.

For example: “I bought a quilt with a print of spirals and circles” , “The chef decorated the dessert with a spiral of melted chocolate” , “I like the spiral-shaped cookies they make at Marta's bakery” .

Spiral in everyday life

The concepts of spiral and helix are often used synonymously. The spiral, however, is always flat, while the helix is ​​three-dimensional. The helix, therefore, is a space curve.

Currently there are many elements of our daily routine that use the term in question to name themselves. Thus, for example, there are spiral notebooks or notebooks , so called because their springs acquire that shape, or the well-known spiral paste , which also has that spring appearance.

Structure

A staircase can develop as a spiral.

symbolic importance

Spirals were important in the symbolism of various cultures. Prehistoric man used to draw spirals in his cave paintings , which many believe represented the cycle of birth, death and rebirth. The sun also used to be represented as a spiral (since it is born every morning, dies after sunset and is reborn the next day).

In the case of Celtic culture, we must also highlight the existence of a symbol such as the spiral. With it we try to express what would be the vital force, growth and also positivity.

The spiral as a succession of events

A spiral, on the other hand, is understood as the increasing or indefinite succession of events . In this case, the notion is still associated, in a certain way, with the cyclical or with that which seems to have no end.

An expression like “Society has entered a spiral of unlimited violence,” in this framework, indicates that a community lives in the midst of violent conflicts that follow one another.

A group of teachers

We also have to highlight that there is a group called Espiral . This is a group of Spanish teachers who show great passion for the use of information technologies in the classrooms. Hence, they have created an Internet platform through which those interested can discover everything from activities to the most varied proposals to be able to teach teaching based on ICT.

Likewise, in Espiral you can find data on courses and workshops on this subject as well as awards and even complete information about why it is advisable to use those technologies within the educational field.