a transformer that supplies high voltage to spark plugs in a gasoline engine
"The mechanic replaced the faulty ignition coil because it failed to generate enough voltage to fire the spark plugs."
a contraceptive device placed inside a woman's womb
"The doctor carefully inserted an IUD coil to provide long-term contraception."
tubing that is wound in a spiral
"The copper coil inside the radiator heats up quickly to warm the room."
reactor consisting of a spiral of insulated wire that introduces inductance into a circuit
"The technician adjusted the coil to ensure it introduced the correct amount of inductance into the high-frequency circuit."
Something wound in the form of a helix or spiral.
"The room was filled with a chaotic coil as the crowd rushed to catch the departing train."
A noise, tumult, bustle, or turmoil.
In plain English: A coil is something that has been wound into a tight spiral shape, like a spring or a roll of wire.
"The copper coil on top of the stove glowed red when he turned up the heat."
Usage: As a noun, "coil" refers to something shaped like a continuous series of loops, such as a spring or rope wrapped around an object. Use this term specifically for physical spirals rather than abstract concepts like confusion or chaos, which are better described with synonyms like tumult.
make without a potter's wheel
"This famous potter hand-builds all of her vessels"
To wind or reel e.g. a wire or rope into regular rings, often around a centerpiece.
"The mechanic carefully coiled the new brake hose around the spare wheel to keep it organized in the trunk."
In plain English: To coil means to wrap something into a tight spiral shape, like winding up a rope around your hand.
"She coiled her hair into a neat bun before stepping out."
A surname.
"Mr. Coil invited his family to dinner at his new house."
The word coil comes from the Old French coillir, which originally meant to gather or pluck something. This meaning traveled into English via Middle English, where it evolved to describe things that are gathered together in a spiral shape.