First Known Use: 1567
Dictionary
1coil
noun \ˈkȯi(-ə)l\
Definition of COIL
1
: turmoil
2
: trouble; also : everyday cares and worries <when we have shuffled off this mortal coil — Shakespeare>
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Origin of COIL
origin unknown
2coil
verb
: to wind (something) into circles
Full 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
— coil·abil·i·ty \ˌkȯi-lə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun
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See coil defined for kids
Origin of COIL
French coillir, cuillir to gather — more at cull
First Known Use: 1611
3coil
noun
Definition of COIL
1
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
COILING Defined for Kids
1coil
noun \ˈkȯil\
Definition of COIL for Kids
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
2coil
verb
coiledcoil·ing
Definition of COIL for Kids
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.>
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