Turns small needles (5)
I believe the answer is:
spins
This might be a double definition.
'turns' is the first definition.
(I know this)
'small needles' is the second definition.
The definition and answer can be both to do with communicating as well as being verbs in their -s form.
Perhaps you can see an association between them that I can't see?
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for spins that I've seen before include "Gyrates" , "Revolves" .)