spiry

¹ American  

[spahyuhr-ee] / ˈspaɪər i /

adjective

1. having the form of a spire, slender shoot, or tapering pointed body; tapering up to a point like a spire.

2. abounding in spires or steeples.

---

spiry ² American  

[spahy-ree] / ˈspaɪ ri /

adjective

1. spiral; coiled; coiling; helical.

---

spiry British  

/ ˈspaɪərɪ /

adjective

1. poetic of spiral form; helical

---

Etymology

Origin of spiry¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; spire ¹ + -y ¹

Origin of spiry²

First recorded in 1670–80; spire ² + -y ¹

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

spiry

The spectacle presented by these century-old trees standing close beside a spiry wall of ice, with their branches almost touching it, was most novel and striking.

From Stickeen by Muir, John

As to Amphion’s tuneful kit Troy rose, with towers encircling it; As to the Mage’s brandished wand A spiry palace clove the sand; To Thin’s indomitable financing, That phantom crescent kept advancing.

From The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson - Swanston Edition Vol. XXII (of 25) Juvenilia and Other Papers by Stevenson, Robert Louis

Her also next, Hovering and clamoring, he by the wing Within his spiry folds drew, and devoured.

From The Iliad of Homer Translated into English Blank Verse by William Cowper by Cowper, William

As florets, by the frosty air of night Bent down and closed, when day has blanch'd their leaves Rise all unfolded on their spiry stems, So was my fainting vigour new restored.

From The Development of the Feeling for Nature in the Middle Ages and Modern Times by Biese, Alfred

Struck on the castled cliff, The venerable tower and spiry fane Resign their aged pride.

From Harper's New Monthly Magazine, Vol III, No 13, 1851 by Various