A spindle has several meanings depending on the context in which it is used. In the context of machine tools, a spindle is a rotating axis of the machine, which often has a shaft at its heart
. It is the part to which the tool, such as a drill bit or milling cutter, is attached. In the context of textiles, a spindle is a straight spike, usually made from wood, used for spinning and twisting fibers such as wool, flax, hemp, and cotton into yarn
. It is often weighted at the bottom, middle, or top, and may have a hook, groove, or notch at the top to guide the yarn. Additionally, a spindle can refer to a pointed rod used when spinning wool by hand, or a round stick with tapered ends used to form and twist yarn in hand spinning
