reel

(rēl)

1. A device, such as a cylinder, spool, or frame, that turns on an axis and is used for winding and storing rope, tape, film, or other flexible materials.
2. A cylindrical device attached to a fishing rod to let out or wind up the line.
3. The quantity of wire, film, or other material wound on one reel.
4. A set of curved lawn-mower blades that rotate around a bar parallel to the ground, cutting grass while moving against a stationary straight blade.

1. To wind on or let out from a reel.
2. To recover by winding on a reel: reel in a large fish.

Related Forms:

• reelˈa·ble adjective

(rēl)

1. To be thrown off balance or fall back: reeled from the sharp blow.
2. To stagger, lurch, or sway, as from drunkenness: reeled down the alley.
3. To go round and round in a whirling motion: gulls reeling and diving.
4. To feel dizzy: My head reeled with the facts and figures.

1. A staggering, swaying, or whirling movement.
2. a. A moderately fast dance of Scottish origin.
   b. The Virginia reel.
   c. The music for one of these dances.

Related Forms:

• reelˈer noun

(rēl)