winder

Winder is a term with several related meanings derived from winding, or turning something around a central axis. In general use, a winder can be a person who winds something or a mechanical device that winds, coils, or reels material such as rope, wire, thread, or film.

Mechanical winders appear in a range of equipment. A winder may be a hand crank or key used to wind a clock, music box, watch, or spring-powered tool. In industrial settings, winders drive reels, spools, or drums to store or dispense materials. They can be part of winches, package winding machines, or film and fiber winding systems.

In architecture, a winder is a wedge-shaped step used to create a turning or spiral stair. Unlike a standard rectangular tread, each winder narrows toward the center to follow the curve of the stairs.

The word also functions as a surname and a place name in several countries. In everyday language, to wind is the verb; winder is the agent form in English, and related terms include winding, wound, and windings.

Origin: from wind (to coil), with the agent noun suffix -er; the sense extends to devices and people by metaphor.