Definition of "spindle" [spin•dle]

• A rod or pin, tapered at one end and usually weighted at the other, on which fibers are spun by hand into thread and then wound. (noun)
• A similar rod or pin used for spinning on a spinning wheel. (noun)
• A pin or rod holding a bobbin or spool on which thread is wound on an automated spinning machine. (noun)
• Any of various mechanical parts that revolve or serve as axes for larger revolving parts, as in a lock, axle, phonograph turntable, or lathe. (noun)
• Any of various long thin stationary rods, as: (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "And now I have to figure out when the spindle is full, and how to ply it ...."
• "And yes, the spindle is supposed to point down like that."
• "I saw the name spindle tree when looking up the exact spelling."