Definition of: spindle

(spin′dəl) noun
1. A rod having a slit or catch in the top and a whorl of wood or metal at its lower end, formerly used in hand spinning, and on which was wound the thread from the distaff.
2. The slender rod in a spinning wheel by the rotation of which the thread is twisted and wound on a spool or bobbin on the same rod; also, a small rod or pin bearing the bobbin of a spinning machine or a shuttle.
3. Mech. A rotating rod, pin, axis, arbor, or shaft, especially when small and bearing something that rotates: the spindle of a lathe.
4. The pin on which rotates a fusee in a watch, or the fusee itself.
5. The tapering end of a vehicle axle that enters the hub.
6. A small shaft passing through the lock of a door and bearing the knobs or handles.
7. Biol. A spindle-shaped structure of elongated achromatic fibers formed during the mitosis of a cell.
8. A measure of length for cotton or linen yarn, varying according to the number of hanks or cuts: generally 18 hanks, or 15,120 yards.
9. Naut. An iron pile or pipe, surmounted by a lantern or other conspicuous object, placed on a rock or shoal for the guidance of seamen.
10. A hydrometer.
11. A needlelike rod mounted on a weighted base, for impaling bills, checks, etc.
—v. ·dled, ·dling v.i.
1. To grow into a long, slender stalk or body; become extremely long and slender.
—v.t.
2. To form into or as into a spindle.
3. To provide with a spindle.
4. To puncture with or impale on a spindle (def. 11), as a bill, memorandum, etc. [OE spinel <spinnan spin]