coiled — English Dictionary

Adjective

1. In the form of coils; having coils.

   Examples

   a coiled serpent

2. Prepared and poised to act, like a snake that has coiled its lower body so it can strike.

   Examples

   More examples (1)

   Two first-half goals from the Colombian forward Radamel Falcao won the game, allowing Atlético to spend the final hour or so sitting deep, coiled always for a breakaway.

   Nicole Kidman’s coiled intensity and muscular direction by Phillip Noyce give this nautical thriller a disquieting sense of dread.

Adjective

1. curled or wound (especially in concentric rings or spirals)

   Antonyms

   uncoiled

   Examples

   a coiled snake ready to strike

   the rope lay coiled on the deck