spindle

Meanings

• (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"
• a piece of wood that has been turned on a lathe; used as a baluster, chair leg, etc.
• any of various rotating shafts that serve as axes for larger rotating parts
• a stick or pin used to twist the yarn in spinning
• any holding device consisting of a rigid, sharp-pointed object

Synonyms

arbor, mandrel, mandril, spike