What does "coil" mean?

1. (a spiral shape) a length of something like rope or wire wound into a series of loops. 2. (electrical component) a wire wound into a spiral that carries electricity. 3. (medical device) a small device placed inside a woman's body to prevent pregnancy. 4. (to wind up) to twist or wind something into a spiral or loops. 5. (a wad of money) a roll or thick pile of paper money.

coil

n. · v.

US //ˈkɔɪɫ// UK //kˈɔɪl// coil

1 a spiral shape (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

a length of something like rope or wire wound into a series of loops.

a series of connected spirals or concentric rings formed by winding a flexible material.

Example

The sailor left a neat coil of rope on the deck of the boat.

Example

The heavy steel cable was stored in a massive coil to prevent it from kinking during transport to the construction site.
2 electrical component (n.)
C1 Advanced Technical Computing

a wire wound into a spiral that carries electricity.

a length of conductive wire wound into a spiral to create magnetic induction or resistance within a circuit.

Example

The mechanic had to replace the ignition coil because the car wouldn't start.

Example

The copper coil within the transformer had overheated, causing a short circuit that disabled the entire server rack.
- inductor
- solenoid

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3 medical device (n.)
C1 Advanced British English Medicine

a small device placed inside a woman's body to prevent pregnancy.

an intrauterine device (IUD) used for long-term contraception, historically named for its spiral shape.

Example

She went to the clinic to discuss having a coil fitted.

Example

The patient requested the removal of her contraceptive coil after experiencing persistent side effects over several months.
- IUD
4 to wind up (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

to twist or wind something into a spiral or loops.

to wind a flexible material into a series of loops or a helical shape.

Example

The snake started to coil its body before it moved toward the grass.

Example

The climbers carefully coiled their ropes after reaching the summit to ensure they would be ready for the descent.
- uncoil
- unwind
5 a wad of money (n.)
C2 Proficiency Slang Informal

a roll or thick pile of paper money.

a significant quantity of banknotes rolled or folded together.

Example

He pulled a thick coil of cash out of his pocket to pay for the dinner.

Example

The informant produced a coil of hundred-dollar bills, claiming it was only a fraction of the total payment promised.

Etymology 1

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.

Etymology 2

Unknown.

Idioms2 entries