Gyre
/ˈdʒaɪə(r)/noun
A circular or spiral motion, or a large rotating system of currents or winds.
Did you know?Gyre comes from the same ancient root as words for turning and spiraling, and it was famously used by Yeats to describe the world’s apocalyptic cycles in 'The Second Coming.'
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*ger-
“to turn, bend, or twist”
Ancient Greek
Greek
gyros
“a circle, ring, or round”
Late Latin
Latin
gyrus
“a ring or circular course”
Middle English
English
gire
“a whirl or circular movement”
Modern English
English
gyre
“a circular or spiral motion”