Coils: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe something wound or arranged in a spiral or series of loops, often materials like wires or ropes.

• The snake lay in coils in the sun.
• He carefully arranged the electrical coils.

Generally used to describe something in a shape that winds in a continuous and gradually widening curve, often used in more abstract or artistic descriptions.

• She drew spirals in the sand with a stick.
• The spiral staircase was a central feature of the old house.

Specifically used in scientific or technical contexts to describe structures that are in a spiral form, such as DNA or certain types of stairs.

• The DNA molecule has a double helix structure.
• The staircase in the lighthouse is a perfect helix.

Used to refer to something wound around another object, commonly used in mechanical or electrical engineering contexts like motors or coils.

• The old clock had several windings that needed to be adjusted.
• The windings of the transformer were burned out.

Refers to loops or rings created by winding, often used for describing wires, ropes, or springs that are wound into circles.

• The electrician adjusted the coils of wire carefully
• The snake rested in coils, basking in the sun

Shapes or patterns that wind around a central point in a continuous curve, often used in art, nature, or when describing staircases or DNA.

• She admired the intricate spirals on the shell
• The staircase wound upwards in a grand spiral

Small circular bands, often used for decorative purposes such as jewelry, crowns, or garlands.

• The princess wore a delicate circlet of gold on her head
• The handmade circlet of flowers looked beautiful

Refers to the action of turning something repeatedly or a change in the direction, often used for describing hair, ropes, or story plots.

• She created several twists in her hair for the new style
• The novel had an unexpected twist at the end

This is the plural form of 'coil,' indicating multiple loops or windings.

• She wore bracelets made of delicate gold coils.
• The heater uses coils to generate heat.

This word signifies wrapping or turning something around in a circular or helical shape. It is often used to describe the action of moving something into a coil or spiral.

• She winds yarn into a ball.
• You need to wind the clock every day.

This word denotes a form of turning or bending into a curved or distorted shape. It’s commonly used in various scenarios, from physical shapes to plot developments in stories.

• He twisted the knob to open the door.
• The plot had an unexpected twist.

This word is used to describe something that curves continuously around a central point, often in a helical shape. It can also metaphorically describe something that is escalating or deteriorating rapidly.

• The staircase in the old house spirals up to the attic.
• Her emotions spiraled out of control.