coil

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: B2 — Upper-Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a structure consisting of something wound in a continuous series of loops
  2. noun a round shape formed by a series of concentric circles (as formed by leaves or flower petals)
  3. noun a transformer that supplies high voltage to spark plugs in a gasoline engine

Etymology

From Middle English coilen, from Old French coillir, cuillir (“to gather, pluck, pick, cull”) (modern French cueillir), from Latin colligō (“to gather together”), past participle collectus, from com- (“together”) + legō (“to gather”); compare legend. Doublet of cull.

In classic literature

Synonyms

spiral, volute, whorl, helix

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