coil | |
1. n. Something wound in the form of a helix or spiral. | |
the sinuous coils of a snake | |
2. n. Any intrauterine device (Abbreviation: IUD)—the first IUDs were coil-shaped. | |
3. n. (electrical) A coil of electrically conductive wire through which electricity can flow. | |
4. n. (figurative) Entanglement; perplexity. | |
5. v. To wind or reel e.g. a wire or rope into regular rings, often around a centerpiece. | |
A simple transformer can be made by coiling two pieces of insulated copper wire around an iron heart. | |
6. v. To wind into loops (roughly) around a common center. | |
The sailor coiled the free end of the hawser on the pier. | |
7. v. To wind cylindrically or spirally. | |
to coil a rope when not in use | |
The snake coiled itself before springing. | |
8. v. (obsolete, rare) To encircle and hold with, or as if with, coils. | |
9. n. (now obsolete except in phrases) A noise, tumult, bustle, or turmoil. | |