Coil: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when referring to something that is wound or looped in a series of circles.

• The snake lay in a tight coil

Used when referring to a curve which winds around a center point, moving further away with each turn.

• The staircase forms a beautiful spiral

Used to describe something that is turned into a bent or curled shape, often implying physical manipulation.

• She gave the cap a quick twist to open the bottle

Used in more technical or scientific contexts, often referring to a 3-dimensional spiral shape.

• The DNA molecule has a double helix structure

When describing something that loops or curls in multiple layers or loops, especially in a mechanical or natural context.

• The snake coiled around the branch.
• He carefully coiled the rope.

When describing the act of turning or coiling something around an object or along a path, especially with an emphasis on the gradual movement or direction change.

• He wound the clock.
• The path winds through the forest.

When referring to something that is turned in a different direction or entwined, usually implying tension or complexity.

• She twisted the cap off the bottle.
• The plot of the movie had an unexpected twist.

When describing something that winds in a continuous curve around a central point, extending ever farther from the center.

• The staircase spiraled up to the tower.
• The galaxy formed a beautiful spiral.