Definitions
01a spiral shape
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. a length of something like rope or wire wound into a series of loops.
n. a series of connected spirals or concentric rings formed by winding a flexible material.
“The sailor left a neat coil of rope on the deck of the boat.”
“The heavy steel cable was stored in a massive coil to prevent it from kinking during transport to the construction site.”
02electrical component
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Computing Technical
n. a wire wound into a spiral that carries electricity.
n. a length of conductive wire wound into a spiral to create magnetic induction or resistance within a circuit.
“The mechanic had to replace the ignition coil because the car wouldn't start.”
“The copper coil within the transformer had overheated, causing a short circuit that disabled the entire server rack.”
Synonyms
03medical device
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Medicine British English
n. a small device placed inside a woman's body to prevent pregnancy.
n. an intrauterine device (IUD) used for long-term contraception, historically named for its spiral shape.
“She went to the clinic to discuss having a coil fitted.”
“The patient requested the removal of her contraceptive coil after experiencing persistent side effects over several months.”
Synonyms
04to wind up
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to twist or wind something into a spiral or loops.
v. to wind a flexible material into a series of loops or a helical shape.
Español:enrollar
“The snake started to coil its body before it moved toward the grass.”
“The climbers carefully coiled their ropes after reaching the summit to ensure they would be ready for the descent.”
Antonyms
05a wad of money
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Slang · Informal
n. a roll or thick pile of paper money.
n. a significant quantity of banknotes rolled or folded together.
“He pulled a thick coil of cash out of his pocket to pay for the dinner.”
“The informant produced a coil of hundred-dollar bills, claiming it was only a fraction of the total payment promised.”
Real-World Examples
“Make sure you always coil the wire in the same direction.” Etymology
From Middle English coilen, from Old French coillir, cuillir (“to gather, pluck, pick, cull”) (modern French cueillir), from Latin colligō (“to gather together”), past participle collectus, from com- (“together”) + legō (“to gather”); compare legend. Doublet of cull.
Unknown.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Idioms
01. coil up
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/coil
「カタカナ語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0