spiro-

¹ American  

1. a combining form meaning “respiration,” used in the formation of compound words.

   spirograph.

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spiro- ² American  

especially before a vowel, spir-

1. a combining form meaning “coil,” “spiral,” used in the formation of compound words.

   spirochete.

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spiro- ¹ British  

combining form

1. indicating breath or respiration

   spirograph

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spiro- ² British  

combining form

1. spiral; coil

   spirochaete

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Etymology

Origin of spiro-¹

Combining form of Latin spīrāre “to breathe”

Origin of spiro-²

Combining form of Latin spīra, from Greek speîra “coil”

Example Sentences

The lawyer, Alex Spiro of Quinn Emanuel, told Newsom in a December letter seen by The Wall Street Journal that his billionaire clients in California were prepared to start years of “protracted and expensive” litigation if the measure moved forward.

From The Wall Street Journal

Alex Spiro, a lawyer who represents well-heeled Californians, is urging Mr. Newsom to stop the initiative.

From The Wall Street Journal

“It will trigger an exodus of capital and innovation from California,” Mr. Spiro last month wrote to the Governor.

From The Wall Street Journal

There were also breakthroughs for confessional songwriters Skye Newman and Sienna Spiro; while artists like Raye, PinkPantheress and Wet Leg all consolidated their first wave of success at home and abroad.

From BBC

Perry attorney Alex Spiro said Monday in a statement: “I said it before and I’ll say it again. This is nothing but a 77 million dollar money grab scam.”

From Los Angeles Times