spindle Definition

spindle
noun

1a. A rod with a notched or tapered end that is designed for twisting the thread in hand-spinning and which is the place where the spun thread is wound;
1b. A similar device in a spinning wheel;
1c. Any of several similar devices in a spinning machine which twist the thread and wind it onto the bobbins.
2. A pin or axis which turns, or around which something else turns.

Example: a record-player with a spindle for 10 singles
Thesaurus: axis, rod, shaft, pivot, stem.
3. A piece of wood that has been turned, especially one that is used as an upright member, eg in a banister or as a chair or table leg, etc.
4. biol.
A spindle-shaped structure of protein filaments that is formed during cell division and which serves to draw the newly divided chromosomes apart.


Example: spindle-legged

Etymology: Anglo-Saxon spinel, from spinnan to spin.