rhizoverbBeta
DictionarycoilWound loops or spirals
noun / verb

coil

KOYL/kˈɔɪl/

A length wound into loops or spirals, or winding it into that shape.

The rope forms a neat coil with one loose end trailing away.

A neatly wound coil of thick natural rope, one loose end.
Etymology
coLatintogether
+ilLatinto gather

The underlying image is “gathering together.” In English, the verb specialized in gathering rope or cable into rings, and the noun came to name the length wound into that form.

In context

The Thought Emporium10:30
the first is the length and diameter of the coil the next is the number of turns of wire and its thickness
Punching Water So Hard LIGHT Comes Out - Sonoluminescence

More examples

  • A coil of rope hangs from a hook.
  • The snake coils around a low branch.
  • The heating coil glows red inside the toaster.

Forms

coil · coils · coiled · coiling

uncoil verb — To unwind something arranged in loops.

Similar words

wind
Often means wrapping around something, rather than forming freestanding loops.
loop
Can describe one curved turn rather than several wound turns.
spiral
Emphasizes a curve progressing around a center or axis.