What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
solenoid
Example
The solenoid is responsible for opening and closing the valve in the engine. [solenoid: noun]
Example
When the solenoid is activated, it pulls the plunger towards it. [solenoid: adjective]
coil
Example
The transformer has a primary and secondary coil. [coil: noun]
Example
The wire was coiled around the post to keep it in place. [coiled: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Coil is more commonly used than solenoid in everyday language, as it has a wider range of applications and is a more general term. Solenoid is a more specialized term that is used primarily in technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between solenoid and coil?
Both solenoid and coil are technical terms that are typically used in formal or technical contexts, such as engineering, physics, or electronics.
