"Profile Spin"
In the UK it is when a spin cycle is broken into programmed segments and NOT continuous.....it was a feature that started in the 80`s with Creda (Rythmn Spin) and marketed by Hotpoint (Profile spin), later adopted by most other manufacturers, saying that Asko and V-Zug have a continuous gradual spin over 9 mins ramping up slowly but powerfully!!
Example of Profile Spin: (By no means the definitive)
Distribution - pinning the clothes against the drum pumping out the water
First spin - up to around 600rpm for 30 - 60 secs then stop, pumping out water
Tumbling and loosening clothes , pumping
Re-Distribution - again pinning clothes evenly
2nd spin - can be higher speed, more water extracted, continuous or breaks in pump out
Tumbling and loosening clothes
3rd spin gardually building up to fastest speed selected
So the biggest ammounts of water are taken out early on at low revs allowing the breaks which help the pump clear the backlog of water, as these days the tolerences between the tubs are so narrow and most machines have pumps that are average..
Also allows for re-distribution of clothing allowing even balance around the drum so less OOB and creasing - saying that with all the will in the world it can tend to be the random laws of nature as to whether one spin will be super smooth or another be a bone shaker!!!