Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

gyre

noun

/ˈjä(ə)r/

Definition

A circular or spiral motion or form.

Examples

The wind caused a gyre of leaves to dance around the yard.
Ocean gyres play a crucial role in climate regulation by distributing heat across the planet.
In T.S. Eliot’s poem, he uses the concept of a gyre to symbolize a spiral of history.

Meaning

In geography and oceanography, a gyre refers to a large system of circulating ocean currents, typically driven by wind patterns and the Earth’s rotation. It can also describe any spiraling motion, such as in the atmosphere or in other contexts.