spindle

A rod used for spinning and then winding fibres (especially wool), usually consisting of a shaft and a circular whorl positioned at either the upper or lower end of the shaft when suspended vertically from the forming thread.

Anna Pavlovna’s soirée was now in full swing. On all sides the spindles were humming away non-stop.

A rod which turns, or on which something turns.

the spindle of a vane

A doorknob of whatever roundish shape is effectively a continuum of levers, with the axis of the latching mechanism—known as the spindle—being the fulcrum about which the turning takes place.

A rotary axis of a machine tool or power tool.

The axle of a bottom bracket.

Check ball bearings for pitting, cracks, disorderly conduct; cups and cones for uneven wear; spindle for straightness.

Certain of the species of the genus Euonymus, originally used for making the spindles used for spinning wool.

To make into a long tapered shape.

To take on a long tapered shape.

To impale on a device for holding paper documents.

Do not fold, spindle or mutilate this document.

A surname transferred from the nickname.