Vo*lute" (?), n. [F. volute (cf. It. voluta), L. voluta, from volvere, volutum, to roll. See
Voluble.]
1.
(Arch.) A spiral scroll which forms the chief feature of the Ionic
capital, and which, on a much smaller scale, is a feature
in the Corinthian and Composite capitals. See
Illust. of Capital, also Helix, and Stale.
2.
(Zoöl.) A spiral turn, as in certain
shells.
3. (Zoöl.) Any voluta.
Volute
spiring, a spring formed of a spiral scroll of plate, rod, or
wire, extended or extensible in the direction of the axis of the coil, in which direction its elastic force is exerted and employed.
Hear it pronounced