coil

noun \ ˈkȯi(-ə)l \

Definition of coil

1 :turmoil

2 :trouble; also :everyday cares and worries

when we have shuffled off this mortal coil
—William Shakespeare

Origin and Etymology of coil

origin unknown

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1567

See Words from the same year

coil

verb

Definition of coil

transitive verb

1 :to wind into rings or spirals

coil a rope

2 :to roll or twist into a shape resembling a coil

coiled herself up on the couch

intransitive verb

1 :to move in a circular or spiral course

2 :to form or lie in a coil

—

coilability

play \ˌkȯi-lə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun

See coil defined for English-language learners

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Examples of coil in a Sentence

She coiled the loose thread around her finger.
A long scarf was coiled around her neck.
The cat coiled up into a ball.
The snake coiled around its prey.

Origin and Etymology of coil

French coillir, cuillir to gather — more at cull

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1611

See Words from the same year

coil Synonyms

Synonyms

wind, corkscrew, curl, entwine, spiral, twine, twist

Related Words

arc, arch, bend, crook, curve, hook, sweep, swerve, turn, veer, wheel; swirl, whirl; circle, encircle, loop; enlace, interlace, intertwine, lace; bow, bulge; meander, weave, zigzag

Near Antonyms

straighten

coil

noun

Definition of coil

1 a (1) :a series of loops

(2) :spiral

b :a single loop of such a coil

2 a :a number of turns of wire wound around a core (as of iron) to create a magnetic field for an electromagnet or an induction coil

b :induction coil

3 :a series of connected pipes in rows, layers, or windings

4 :a roll of postage stamps; also :a stamp from such a roll

First Known Use of coil

1661

Other Electrical Engineering Terms

feedback, fuse, incandescent, noise, resonance

COIL Defined for English Language Learners

coil

verb

Definition of coil for English Language Learners

: to wind (something) into circles

COIL Defined for Kids

coil

noun \ ˈkȯil \

Definition of coil for Students

1 :a circle, a series of circles, or a spiral made by coiling

2 :a long thin piece of material that is wound into circles

coil

verb

Definition of coil for Students

coiled; coiling

1 :to wind into rings or a spiral

coil a rope

2 :to form or lie in a coil

The cat coiled up before the fireplace.

Medical Dictionary

coil

noun \ ˈkȯi(ə)l \

medical Definition of coil

:intrauterine device

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coil

Definition of coil

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Origin and Etymology of coil

coil

Definition of coil

coilability

Examples of coil in a Sentence

Origin and Etymology of coil

coil Synonyms

Synonyms

Related Words

Near Antonyms

coil

Definition of coil

First Known Use of coil

Other Electrical Engineering Terms

COIL Defined for English Language Learners

coil

Definition of coil for English Language Learners

COIL Defined for Kids

coil

Definition of coil for Students

coil

Definition of coil for Students

Medical Dictionary

coil

medical Definition of coil

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