1. (

• 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" ;

2. (

• spindle ,

) a piece of wood that has been turned on a lathe; used as a baluster, chair leg, etc. ;

3. (

• spindle ,
• mandrel ,
• mandril ,
• arbor ,

) any of various rotating shafts that serve as axes for larger rotating parts ;

4. (

• spindle

) a stick or pin used to twist the yarn in spinning ;

5. (

• spike ,
• spindle ,

) any holding device consisting of a rigid, sharp-pointed object; "the spike pierced the receipts and held them in order" ;