whorl Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a round shape formed by a series of concentric circles (as formed by leaves or flower petals)
    gyre; ringlet; scroll; coil; curl; curlicue; roll.
  2. noun a strand or cluster of hair
    lock; curl; ringlet.
  3. noun a structure consisting of something wound in a continuous series of loops
    coil; volute; spiral; helix.
    • a coil of rope

WordNet

Whorl noun
Etymology
OE. whorvil the whirl of a spindle; akin to AS. hweorfa the whirl of a spindle, hweorfan to turn; cf. OD. worvel the whirl of a spindle. See Whirl, n. & v.
Definitions
  1. (Bot.) A circle of two or more leaves, flowers, or other organs, about the same part or joint of a stem.
  2. (Zoöl.) A volution, or turn, of the spire of a univalve shell.
  3. (Spinning) The fly of a spindle.

Webster 1913