Coil

/kɔɪl/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A series of loops or spirals formed by winding.

She carefully arranged the wire into a coil.

A spiral or ring shape in an object.

The snake lay in a coil on the ground.

A length of wire wound in a spiral for use in electrical applications.

The mechanic replaced the faulty ignition coil in the engine.

verb

To wind into a series of loops or spirals.

He decided to coil the rope neatly after finishing his work.

To form into a spiral shape.

The smoke began to coil upwards into the air.

Middle English: from Old French 'coiler', based on Latin 'colligare' meaning 'to tie together'.

coil one's hair

To wind hair in spirals or loops.

coil around

To wrap around something in a spiral manner.

coil spring

A spring that is coiled or twisted.

winding

The act of forming something into coils.

spiral

A curve that begins at a central point and moves away while gradually increasing its distance from the point.

curl

To form into a curved or spiral shape.

helix

A three-dimensional curve that is shaped like a spiral.

loop

A shape produced by a curve that bends around and crosses itself.

To coil up or get comfortable.

I'm just going to coil up on the couch and watch a movie.

Used to indicate confusion or being overwhelmed.

After that meeting, I was totally coiled!