Meaning of the word whorl in English

What does whorl mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

whorl

US /wɝːl/
UK /wɜːl/

Noun

1.

a circular arrangement of leaves, petals, or branches radiating from a single point on a stem

Example:
The plant had a beautiful whorl of leaves at its base.
Each flower displayed a perfect whorl of petals.
2.

a pattern of spirals or concentric circles

Example:
The fingerprint showed a distinct whorl pattern.
Her hair fell in soft whorls around her face.

Verb

to form into a whorl or spiral

Example:
The smoke began to whorl upwards into the sky.
Her long hair would often whorl around her shoulders.