spindle spindle /ˈspɪndəl/

noun

1. Any holding device consisting of a rigid, sharp-pointed object  ( spike , spindle )
   any holding device consisting of a rigid, sharp-pointed object
    The spike pierced the receipts and held them in order
   the spike pierced the receipts and held them in order
   
2. A stick or pin used to twist the yarn in spinning  ( spindle )
   a stick or pin used to twist the yarn in spinning
    The spinner used the spindle expertly to twist the wool into yarn.
   The spinner used the spindle expertly to twist the wool into yarn.
   
   
3. Any of various rotating shafts that serve as axes for larger rotating parts  ( arbor [ N. American, Australian] , mandrel , mandril , spindle )
   any of various rotating shafts that serve as axes for larger rotating parts
   
   
4. A piece of wood that has been turned on a lathe; used as a baluster, chair leg, etc.  ( spindle )
   a piece of wood that has been turned on a lathe; used as a baluster, chair leg, etc.
    The staircase was adorned with intricately carved wooden spindles.
   The staircase was adorned with intricately carved wooden spindles.
   
   
5. (biology) tiny fibers that are seen in cell division; the fibers radiate from two poles and meet at the equator in the middle  ( spindle )
   (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
   chromosomes are distributed by spindles in mitosis and meiosis