noun

1. Something wound in the form of a helix or spiral.

   “the sinuous coils of a snake”

2. Any intrauterine device (Abbreviation: IUD)—the first IUDs were coil-shaped.

3. A coil of electrically conductive wire through which electricity can flow.

Synonyms: inductor

verb

1. To wind or reel e.g. a wire or rope into regular rings, often around a centerpiece.

   “A simple transformer can be made by coiling two pieces of insulated copper wire around an iron heart.”

2. To wind into loops (roughly) around a common center.

   “The sailor coiled the free end of the hawser on the pier.”

3. To wind cylindrically or spirally.

   “The snake coiled itself before springing.”