coil

The word “coil” means something wound into a spiral or helix shape. In plain terms, a spiral shape, or the act of winding something into one — also the everyday term for a type of IUD contraceptive.

“Coil” is pronounced koyl (/kɔɪl/ in IPA).

Here is “coil” used in a sentence: “He wound the garden hose into a neat coil.”

Depending on how it is used, “coil” can be a noun and a verb.

The word “coil” comes from Latin. From Old French coillir, "to gather or pick," ultimately from Latin colligere, "to collect" — the same root that gives us "collect" and "cull.".

“Coil” is an uncommon word in modern English.

“Coil” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: something wound into a spiral or helix shape.

A coil is anything wound into a spiral or helix shape, which is a broad description covering many objects, while a spring is a specific coiled object designed to store and release mechanical energy through elasticity. Every spring is typically coil-shaped, but not every coil functions as a spring.

In contraception, 'the coil' is an informal name for an intrauterine device, a small T-shaped or hormonal device fitted inside the uterus to prevent pregnancy. This is a specialized medical use of the general word coil.

Yes, coil works as a noun for the spiral shape itself and as a verb meaning to wind something into rings or loops, as in 'coil the rope.' The verb describes the action of creating the noun's shape.