A spindle can refer to different things depending on the context. Here are some of the most common meanings:
- In textiles and manufacturing, a spindle is a straight spike used to spin fibers into yarn.
- In machine tools, a spindle is a rotating axis of the machine that holds the cutting tool and provides the necessary power and speed to perform the desired operation).
- In biology, a spindle can refer to different structures such as the spindle apparatus or mitotic spindle, which is a cellular structure that pulls apart the genetic material in a cell when it divides.
- In computing, a spindle can refer to the axis of a hard disk drive or a plastic case for bulk optical disks.
- In other contexts, a spindle can refer to a cylindrically symmetric shaft, usually made of wood, that is used in furniture or as part of a door handle.
The meaning of spindle depends on the context in which it is used.
