coil coil /ˈkɔɪl/

noun

1. () A structure consisting of something wound in a continuous series of loops  ( helix , spiral , volute , coil , whorl )
   a structure consisting of something wound in a continuous series of loops
    A coil of rope
   a coil of rope
   
   
2. Reactor consisting of a spiral of insulated wire that introduces inductance into a circuit  ( coil )
   reactor consisting of a spiral of insulated wire that introduces inductance into a circuit
    The electrician used a coil to introduce inductance into the electronic circuit.
   The electrician used a coil to introduce inductance into the electronic circuit.
   
   
3. Tubing that is wound in a spiral  ( coil )
   tubing that is wound in a spiral
   
4. A contraceptive device placed inside a woman's womb  ( coil )
   a contraceptive device placed inside a woman's womb
   
5. A transformer that supplies high voltage to spark plugs in a gasoline engine  ( coil )
   a transformer that supplies high voltage to spark plugs in a gasoline engine
    The mechanic replaced the coil in my car when the spark plugs weren't getting enough voltage.
   The mechanic replaced the coil in my car when the spark plugs weren't getting enough voltage.
   
   
6. A round shape formed by a series of concentric circles (as formed by leaves or flower petals)  ( coil , curl , curlicue , gyre , ringlet , roll , scroll , whorl )
   a round shape formed by a series of concentric circles (as formed by leaves or flower petals)
     The detective examined the fingerprint, noting the unique whorl pattern.
   The detective examined the fingerprint, noting the unique whorl pattern.
   

verb

1. () To wind or move in a spiral course  ( gyrate , coil , spiral )
   to wind or move in a spiral course
    The muscles and nerves of his fine drawn body were coiling for action
   the muscles and nerves of his fine drawn body were coiling for action
    Black smoke coiling up into the sky
   black smoke coiling up into the sky
    The young people gyrated on the dance floor
   the young people gyrated on the dance floor
   
2. Wind around something in coils or loops  ( coil , loop , curl )
   wind around something in coils or loops
   
3. Make without a potter's wheel  ( coil , hand-build , handbuild )
   make without a potter's wheel
    This famous potter hand-builds all of her vessels
   This famous potter hand-builds all of her vessels