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coil1

Pronunciation: /kɔɪl/

Definition of coil

a length of something wound in a joined sequence of concentric rings:a coil of rope
a single ring in a coil:the snake wrapped its coils around her
an intrauterine contraceptive device in the form of a coil: many women don’t like the idea of having a coil fitted
an electrical device consisting of a coiled wire, for converting the level of a voltage, producing a magnetic field, or adding inductance to a circuit:a relay coil
such a device used for transmitting high voltage to the spark plugs of an internal-combustion engine.
a slow-burning spiral made from the dried paste of pyrethrum powder, which produces a smoke that deters mosquitoes.
a roll of postage stamps, especially one for use in a vending machine.

[with object]

arrange (something long and flexible) in a coil:he began to coil up the heavy ropes he coiled a lock of her hair around his finger
[no object, with adverbial] move or twist into the shape of a coil:smoke coiled lazily towards the ceiling

Origin:

early 16th century (as a verb): from Old French coillir, from Latin colligere 'gather together' (see collect¹)

Definition of coil in the US English dictionary

Nearby words

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