|
| coil [ koyl ] |
noun (plural coils) |
|
| Definition: |
| |
1. series of loops: a series of connected loops into which something has been wound or gathered
|
2. loop: one of a series of loops into which something has been wound or gathered
|
3. spiral: something that curls or is curled into a spiral shape
|
4. pipes arranged in rows or spiral: a series of pipes arranged in rows or in a spiral, e.g. in a radiator or condenser
|
5. wire spiral for electric current: a spiral of wire through which an electric current is passed to create a magnetic field or to function as an inductor
|
6. device supplying electricity to spark plugs: a device that supplies a high voltage to the spark plugs in an internal-combustion engine
|
7. contraceptive device: a coil-shaped device made of plastic or metal that is placed inside the womb to prevent a woman from becoming pregnant
|
8. roll of stamps: a roll of postage stamps dispensed by a vending machine
|
verb (past and past participle coiled, present participle coil·ing, 3rd person present singular coils) |
|
| Definition: |
| |
1. transitive and intransitive verb wind something into loops: to wind something into a series of connected loops, or form a series of connected loops
  The rope had coiled itself around the propeller.
|
2. intransitive verb curve or bend: to move in a curving, sinuous way
|
| [Early 16th century. Via Old French coillir "gather" < Latin colligere (see collect1)] |
|
| coil·er noun |
|
