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. Zool.
A spiral turn, as in certain shells.
3. Zool.
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.
© Webster 1913.