curl meaning and definition

CURL noun

Definition of curl (noun)

1. a round shape formed by a series of concentric circles (as formed by leaves or flower petals)
   • synonyms: coil, curlicue, gyre, ringlet, roll, scroll, whorl
2. American chemist who with Richard Smalley and Harold Kroto discovered fullerenes and opened a new branch of chemistry (born in 1933)
   • synonyms: Robert Curl, Robert F. Curl, Robert Floyd Curl Jr.
3. a strand or cluster of hair
   • synonyms: lock, ringlet, whorl

CURL verb

Definition of curl (verb)

1. form a curl, curve, or kink
   • "the cigar smoke curled up at the ceiling"
   • synonyms: curve, kink
2. shape one's body into a curl
   • "She curled farther down under the covers"; "She fell and drew in"
   • synonyms: curl up, draw in
3. wind around something in coils or loops
   • synonyms: coil, loop
   • antonym: uncoil
4. twist or roll into coils or ringlets
   • "curl my hair, please"
   • synonyms: wave
5. play the Scottish game of curling