Definition

To unwind or untwist something that is coiled or twisted.

Example

She decided to uncoil the rope before using it.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I need to uncoil this tangled necklace before the party.

That looks like a pretty tough knot to deal with.

Yeah, I always manage to make it worse when I try to pull it apart.

Just take your time; sometimes it helps to uncoil it slowly.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Uncoil → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not or opposite of) and "coil" (from Old French *coiler*, meaning to wind or twist). The word "uncoil" means to reverse the action of coiling, or to straighten something that has been wound up.

Memory Tip

Think of 'un-' meaning to reverse and 'coil' meaning to wind — so uncoil means to unwind something that has been twisted.

Visually Confused Words