I. ˈkȯi(-ə)l noun
Etymology: origin unknown
Date: 1567
1. : turmoil
2. : trouble ; also : everyday cares and worries
when we have shuffled off this mortal coil — Shakespeare
II. verb
Etymology: French coillir, cuillir to gather — more at cull
Date: 1611
transitive verb
1. : to wind into rings or spirals
coil a rope
2. : to roll or twist into a shape resembling a coil
coil ed herself up on the couch
intransitive verb
1. : to move in a circular or spiral course
2. : to form or lie in a coil
• coil·abil·i·ty ˌkȯi-lə-ˈbi-lə-tē noun
III. noun
Date: 1661
1.
a.
(1) : a series of loops
(2) : spiral
b. : a single loop of such a coil
2.
a. : a number of turns of wire wound around a core (as of iron) to create a magnetic field for an electromagnet or an induction coil
b. : induction coil
3. : a series of connected pipes in rows, layers, or windings
4. : a roll of postage stamps ; also : a stamp from such a roll