volute

plural volutes

1. architectureThe characteristic spiral curve on an Ionic capital, widely copied in other styles and in neoclassical architecture.

   This example is much richer, yet no less elegant, than the other; the volute, instead of a single spiral, is formed by three; the sculptured echinus beneath is surmounted by a guilloched moulding, and separated from the shaft by a neck […]

   1856, Edward Shaw, The Modern Architect, Or, Every Carpenter His Own Master

2. biologyThe spirals or whorls on a gastropod's shell.
3. biologyAny marine gastropod of the family Volutidae.

   Common shells include frog-shells, distorsios, volutes, tulips, murex, cones, olives, marginellas, cowries, augers and the Florida horse conch, the state's official shell, which can grow up to 24in (6 1 cm) long.

   2002, Don Philpott, Florida: Gulf Coast, page 16

4. engineeringThe casing in a centrifugal pump, whose shape is somewhat similar to architectural volutes.
5. artA spiral or scroll form.
6. entertainmentA scroll-shaped carving at the tuning head of a stringed musical instrument, similar to architectural volutes.

1. not comparableengineeringOf a spring: having a spiral curve on its tail.
2. not comparablebiologyRolled up in any way.