spindle meaning and definition

SPINDLE noun

Definition of spindle (noun)

1. (biology) tiny fibers that are seen in cell division; the fibers radiate from two poles and meet at the equator in the middle
   • "chromosomes are distributed by spindles in mitosis and meiosis"
2. a piece of wood that has been turned on a lathe; used as a baluster, chair leg, etc.
3. any of various rotating shafts that serve as axes for larger rotating parts
   • synonyms: arbor, mandrel, mandril
4. a stick or pin used to twist the yarn in spinning
5. any holding device consisting of a rigid, sharp-pointed object
   • "the spike pierced the receipts and held them in order"
   • synonyms: spike