1.  whorl(n = noun.shape) coil, curl, curlicue, gyre, ringlet, roll, scroll - a round shape formed by a series of concentric circles (as formed by leaves or flower petals);
is a kind of round shape
has particulars: corolla, calyx, verticil

2.  whorl(n = noun.body) curl, lock, ringlet - a strand or cluster of hair;
is a kind of hair
is a part of coif, coiffure, hair style, hairdo, hairstyle
has particulars: sausage curl, forelock, crimp, dreadlock

3.  whorl(n = noun.artifact) coil, helix, spiral, volute - a structure consisting of something wound in a continuous series of loops; "a coil of rope"
is a kind of construction, structure
has particulars: hank

1.  A circle of two or more leaves, flowers, or other organs, about the same part or joint of a stem. [1913 Webster]

2.  A volution, or turn, of the spire of a univalve shell. [1913 Webster]

3.  The fly of a spindle. [1913 Webster]

whorl, n.
1 a ring of leaves or other organs round a stem of a plant.
2 one turn of a spiral, esp. on a shell.
3 a complete circle in a fingerprint.
4 archaic a small wheel on a spindle steadying its motion.

Derivative:
whorled adj.

Etymology:
ME wharwyl, whorwil, app. var. of WHIRL: infl. by wharve (n.) = whorl of a spindle