Coiled Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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coiled

[kษ”ษชld ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

snake

Twisted or spiraled into a circular or spiral shape.

Synonyms

curled, spiraled, twisted.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
coiled

Used to describe something that is wound into a series of loops or rings, often for storage or compactness.

  • The snake coiled around the branch.
  • She coiled the rope neatly after using it.
twisted

Often has a negative connotation and is used to describe something that has been forced out of its natural shape through rotation or distortion.

  • The metal rod was twisted beyond recognition.
  • He twisted his ankle during the game.
spiraled

Used to describe something that winds around a center point in a continuous curve, often used for describing motion or shapes.

  • The staircase spiraled up to the tower.
  • Smoke spiraled into the evening sky.
curled

Best for describing something that forms a curve or coil, often used in the context of hair or leaves.

  • Her hair curled naturally.
  • The kitten curled up on the chair.

Examples of usage

  • A coiled snake ready to strike.
  • The rope was coiled neatly on the deck.
Context #2 | Verb

rope

To wind or gather into a circular or spiral shape.

Synonyms

spiral, twist, wind.

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Word Description / Examples
coiled

This word is used to describe something that is wound into a series of loops or rings, often tightly. It is common in contexts involving springs, wires, or hoses.

  • The garden hose was coiled neatly next to the tap
  • The snake lay coiled on the rock, basking in the sun
wind

Wind (pronounced 'wฤซnd') refers to moving something in a circular or curving manner around another object. It is often used for winding clocks, watches, or wrapping string and yarn.

  • He wound the string around the spool
  • The hikers wound their way up the narrow mountain path
twist

Twist means to turn something so that it bends or curls into a different shape. It can refer to physical actions or to changes in a story or situation.

  • She twisted the cap off the bottle
  • The movie had an unexpected plot twist that surprised everyone
spiral

Spiral refers to something that winds around a central point or axis, progressively getting closer or further away from it. It can be used in both physical and abstract contexts, such as describing a shape or a situation that worsens over time.

  • The staircase spiraled up to the top floor of the lighthouse
  • Prices began to spiral out of control

Examples of usage

  • She coiled the rope around the post.
  • The hose was coiled up and put away.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Nature

  • Many snakes, such as pythons, coil themselves for warmth and security when resting or sleeping.
  • Certain plants, like tendrils from climbing vines, naturally coil around objects to support their growth.
  • Rope-making often involves coiling strands together to create strong, usable rope.

Science

  • In physics, coiled springs are used to store energy, illustrating how potential energy is converted into kinetic energy.
  • Electromagnetic coils are essential in devices like transformers and inductors, demonstrating the relationship between electricity and magnetism.
  • When water is coiled through pipes in certain heating systems, it effectively maximizes heat transfer efficiency.

Literature

  • In literature, a 'coiled' metaphor can express tension, such as a character waiting to explode with emotion.
  • Poetic descriptions often use coiling imagery to evoke feelings of constriction or complicity in plot development.
  • The
  • like a coiled spring
  • is frequently used in storytelling to symbolize potential energy waiting to be released.

Art and Design

  • In sculpture, artists often use the concept of coiling to create intricate patterns and forms, like in traditional pottery.
  • Coiling techniques are prominent in textile arts, showing how fibers can create beautiful patterns and textures.
  • Abstract art pieces sometimes employ coiled shapes to explore themes of entrapment and release.

Origin of 'coiled'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'coil' comes from the Old French word 'coillir', which means 'to gather' or 'to twist together'.
  • The Latin root 'colligare' means 'to bind' or 'to tie together', linking to how things can be tied in a spiral form.
  • Historically, 'coil' was used to describe the movement of materials, often in machinery and textiles.

The word 'coiled' originated from the Middle French word 'coillir' meaning 'to gather, collect'. It has been used in English since the 16th century to describe something twisted or wound into a circular shape. Over time, the word has evolved to encompass a variety of contexts, from describing the shape of a snake to the arrangement of a rope. The versatility and imagery of 'coiled' have made it a popular word in both everyday language and specialized fields.


See also: coil, coiling, coils, recoil, uncoil.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,250, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.