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coiling

coiling

1 4.4
Has a spiral shape like a snake or rope
  • adjective
: enroscado
  • The coiling vine wrapped around the trellis beautifully as it grew.

But there are a few places in the world where there are lots of left coiling molluscs.

Examples

  • The artist painted a stunning mural featuring a coiling dragon.

  • Her scarf had a coiling pattern that reminded him of ocean waves.

  • In fact, he described as an A coiling snake.

  • But there are a few places in the world where there are lots of left coiling molluscs.

Synonyms

swirl
vscoiling
39 2.7

A twisting, spiral shape like smoke or cream in coffee

describes curving without implying fast rotation or spinning movement
spiral
vscoiling
38 3.8

Having a curved shape that winds around a center like a coil

describes curving into rings or loops rather than emphasizing rotation
coiled
vscoiling
16 4.3

Shaped like tight rings or spirals

describes the action of forming curves rather than the finished, wound state
swirly
vscoiling
7 3.9

Having curved lines or patterns that twist and flow

refers to decorative curved patterns rather than solid three dimensional turns
helical
vscoiling
2 6.7

In the shape of a spiral, like a twisted staircase

describes curving into loops without implying a strict three dimensional twist
spiraling
vscoiling
2 4.8

Something that winds around a center like a snail shell

focuses on the curved shape rather than the ongoing turning action
involute
vscoiling
1 9.7

Coiled tightly, like a shell that hides its center

describes simple curving around a center without implying complex layering
whorled
vscoiling
  • Specialized
1 8.6

Arranged in a circle or spiral around a plant stem

applies to general curved forms, not specifically to plant arrangements
winding
vscoiling
1 3.1

A curved part of a road or river

focuses on small rounded, looped curves rather than long sinuous paths
pinwheel-shaped
vscoiling
1 6.1

A round shape with spiral arms like a child's pinwheel

shows curved rings rather than distinct outward blades arranged radially
volute
vscoiling
  • Specialized
1 9.2

Something that has a spiral or coil shape for decoration

applies to curved shapes broadly, not only decorative elements
circumvolution
vscoiling
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A twist or coil around a middle point, like a spiral staircase

describes the resulting curved form rather than the act of turning
voluted
vscoiling
1 9.0

A thing that is coiled in a spiral like a snail shell

is the general curved form without stressing decorative use
turbinate
vscoiling
  • Specialized
9.8

Shaped like a spiral, for example a snail shell

describes curving into loops rather than resembling a conical, top like form

How Coiled

coiling
1 4.4
twisting
12 2.4
curving
11 2.5
bending
15 2.1

Surface Forms

coiling positive

Morphology

coiling = coil (transparent) = coil + ing

Derived directly from the verb 'coil' with the productive suffix '-ing', so the adjective meaning 'spiraling' is predictable.

Etymology

Coiling comes from the simple word coil, meaning a 'loop' or 'roll', plus -ing to show action, so imagine a rope or snake wound into rings. That's why coiling describes something that spirals or curves like a rolled-up line.