n. & v.
—n.
1 anything arranged in a joined sequence of concentric circles.
2 a length of rope, a spring, etc., arranged in this way.
3 a single turn of something coiled, e.g. a snake.
4 a lock of hair twisted and coiled.
5 an intra-uterine contraceptive device in the form of a coil.
6 Electr. a device consisting of a coiled wire for converting low voltage to high voltage, esp. for transmission to the sparking plugs of an internal-combustion engine.
7 a piece of wire, piping, etc., wound in circles or spirals.
8 a roll of postage stamps.
—v.
1 tr. arrange in a series of concentric loops or rings.
2 tr. & intr. twist or be twisted into a circular or spiral shape.
3 intr. move sinuously.
Etymology: OF coillir f. L colligere COLLECT(1)
2.
n.
Phrases and idioms:
this mortal coil the difficulties of earthly life (with ref. to Shakesp. Hamlet III. i. 67).
Etymology: 16th c.: orig. unkn.
Useful english dictionary. 2012.