The Nicomedean spiral is a type of spiral that is defined mathematically by a specific equation. It is created by drawing a series of arcs, each with a radius that increases linearly as you move outward from a central point. This results in a spiral that expands outward in a uniform manner. Named after the ancient Greek mathematician Nicomedes, this spiral has applications in various fields, including physics and engineering. It can be used to model certain natural phenomena and is also studied in the context of geometry and calculus, showcasing the relationship between curves and their properties.