English Dictionary

Definition of “spin

spin (spɪnPronunciation for spin

Definitions

verb

Word forms: spins, spinning, spun
  1. to rotate or cause to rotate rapidly, as on an axis
    1. to draw out and twist (natural fibres, as of silk or cotton) into a long continuous thread
    2. to make such a thread or filament from (synthetic resins, etc), usually by forcing through a nozzle
  2. (of spiders, silkworms, etc) to form (webs, cocoons, etc) from a silky fibre exuded from the body
  3. (tr) to shape (metal) into a rounded form on a lathe
  4. (tr) informal to tell (a tale, story, etc) by drawing it out at great length (esp in the phrase spin a yarn)
  5. to bowl, pitch, hit, or kick (a ball) so that it rotates in the air and changes direction or speed on bouncing, or (of a ball) to be projected in this way
  6. (intr) (of wheels) to revolve rapidly without causing propulsion
  7. to cause (an aircraft) to dive in a spiral descent or (of an aircraft) to dive in a spiral descent
  8. (intr) along to drive or travel swiftly
  9. spin-dry(tr) to rotate (clothes) in a washing machine in order to extract surplus water
  10. (intr) to reel or grow dizzy, as from turning around  ⇒ my head is spinning 
  11. (intr) to fish by drawing a revolving lure through the water
  12. (intr) informal to present news or information in a way that creates a favourable impression

noun

  1. a swift rotating motion; instance of spinning
  2. physics 
    1. the intrinsic angular momentum of an elementary particle or atomic nucleus, as distinguished from any angular momentum resulting from its motion
    2. a quantum number determining values of this angular momentum in units of the Dirac constant, having integral or half-integral values Ss
  3. a condition of loss of control of an aircraft or an intentional flight manoeuvre in which the aircraft performs a continuous spiral descent because the angle of maximum lift is less than the angle of incidence
  4. a spinning motion imparted to a ball, etc
  5. (in skating) any of various movements involving spinning rapidly on the spot
  6. informal a short or fast drive, ride, etc, esp in a car, for pleasure
  7. See flat spin
  8. Australian New Zealand informal a period of time or an experience; chance or luck; fortune  ⇒ a bad spin 
  9. business informal a sudden downward trend in prices, values, etc
  10. informal the practice of presenting news or information in a way that creates a favourable impression
  11. See on the spin

See also

spin off , spin out

Word Origin

Old English spinnan;  related to Old Norse spinna,  Old High German spinnan  to spin, Lithuanian pinu to braid

Usage examples

  • The shit's not flying yet, but the fan is starting to spin.
    Jon Cleary, YESTERDAY'S SHADOW (2002)
  • The next time you pretend to be a movie executive, give this book a spin.
    Maxim (2004)
  • Meanwhile, some analysts have suggested that the company may remove "AOL" from its name or even spin off the Internet unit.
    Globe and Mail (2003)
  • In recent weeks, the strip has seen Wagner's unique spin on the Highland Clearances.
    Glasgow Herald (2001)
  • Perhaps the most obvious is to put top or back spin on a ball in racket sports.
    Andrews, Elizabeth, Muscle Management (1991)

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