gyre

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a round shape formed by a series of concentric circles (as formed by leaves or flower petals)

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin gȳrus (“circle; circular motion”), from Ancient Greek γῦρος (gûros, “circle; ring”), from Proto-Indo-European *gew- (“to bend; to curve”). The English word is a doublet of gyro and gyrus.

In classic literature

Synonyms

coil, whorl, roll, curl, curlicue, ringlet, scroll

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