volute

Meanings

1. The characteristic spiral curve on an Ionic capital, widely copied in other styles and in neoclassical architecture.
2. The spirals or whorls on a gastropod's shell.
3. Any marine gastropod of the family Volutidae.
4. The casing in a centrifugal pump, whose shape is somewhat similar to architectural volutes.
5. A spiral or scroll form.
6. A scroll-shaped carving at the tuning head of a stringed musical instrument, similar to architectural volutes.

1. Of a spring: having a spiral curve on its tail.
2. Rolled up in any way.

Etymology

From French volute, from Italian voluta, from Latin volūta, from the feminine of volūtus, perfect passive participle of volvō. Doublet of vault.

Translations