The word "spindle" is commonly spelled s-p-i-n-d-l-e. It is pronounced /ˈspɪndəl/ (SPIN-duhl). In the IPA phonetic transcription, it can be broken down into six sounds: s (voiced alveolar fricative), p (unvoiced bilabial plosive), i (unrounded front vowel), n (voiced alveolar nasal), d (unvoiced dental plosive), and l (voiced alveolar lateral). The word refers to a rod or pin used to hold things together or support something, such as a spindle on a spinning wheel.
A spindle refers to a slender, cylindrical, or tapering rod, typically made of wood or metal, that is used for various purposes. It is characterized by its elongated shape and smooth surface.
In the context of textiles, a spindle is a tool used in spinning wheels and hand spinning to twist fibers into yarn. It features a pointed end that allows it to be inserted into a material, enabling the user to twist and wind fibers around it to create yarn. Spindles can come in different sizes and shapes, depending on the desired thickness and strength of the resulting yarn.
In the realm of biology, a spindle refers to a structure formed during cell division. Specifically, during mitosis or meiosis, it is a network of tiny fibers known as microtubules that help separate and move the chromosomes to opposite ends of the dividing cell. This process ensures that each new cell receives the appropriate number of chromosomes.
Within the realm of woodworking, a spindle is a decorative component found in furniture and architectural structures. It is typically a slender, vertical column that serves a decorative or supportive purpose. Spindles can feature intricate designs and be embellished with carvings or lathe-turned patterns, adding visual appeal to furniture and structures.
Overall, the term "spindle" implies a long, slender, and cylindrical object that serves various functions across different fields, including textiles, biology, and woodworking.
1. In anatomy and pathology, any fusiform cell or structure, such as the inner segment of one of the rods or cones of the retina, or a spindle-cell. 2. Specifically the amphiaster, a spindle-shaped or fusiform figure formed by the fibrils of cytoplasm stretching between the asters, in the prophase of mitosis or caryocinesis.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
• The pin or thin rod, formerly used in spinning, for twisting the fibres drawn from the distaff; any axis of revolution, as the axis of a wheel, of a capstan, &c.; anything long and slender; a yarn-measure.
• Among gardeners, to put forth a long and slender stalk.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "spindle" originated from the Old English word "spindel" or "spinnel". It is believed to have been derived from the Proto-Germanic word "spindilaz". This Proto-Germanic term is likely connected to the Proto-Indo-European root "*spend-", which means "to spin" or "to draw out thread". The linguistic root of "spindle" can be traced back to the early concepts of spinning and is shared by other similar words in various languages.