HeyRuaHow to say “coil” in Irish
- Irish:
- corna
- English:
- coil, roll
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “KOR-nuh” /ˈkɔɾˠn̪ˠə/
- Plural:
- cornaí (coils)
- Genitive singular:
- corna, an chorna (e.g. ceann an chorna, the end of the coil)
- Genitive plural:
- cornaí, na gcornaí (e.g. slabhra na gcornaí, the chain of coils)
What does “corna” mean?
“Corna” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- coil
- A length of rope, wire or similar material wound round in a series of rings.Also: roll, coil of rope, hank.
1 other meaning: roll
- 2roll
- Something rolled up into a cylinder, such as a roll of paper or cloth.Also: scroll, rolled bundle.
“Corna” with the article
The plural of coil in Irish is cornaí. Here is corna after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Corna” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using corna, the Irish word for coil.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Coil in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for coil?
The Irish for coil is corna (pronounced “KOR-nuh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is cornaí. Depending on context it can also mean roll.
How do you pronounce corna in Irish?
Corna is said like “KOR-nuh” (IPA /ˈkɔɾˠn̪ˠə/).
What is the plural of coil in Irish?
The plural of corna is cornaí; with the article, na cornaí means “the coils”. The genitive plural is cornaí, as in slabhra na gcornaí (the chain of coils).
Does corna have more than one meaning?
Yes. Corna can mean coil or roll, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does corna change to chorna or gcorna?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) corna becomes mo chorna (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcorna (eclipsis).
Is there a related verb meaning to coil?
Yes, 'cornaigh' means to coil or roll up, as in 'cornaigh an rópa' (coil the rope).
How is 'corna' different from 'rolla'?
'Corna' is especially a coil of rope or wire, while 'rolla' is the usual word for a roll or a register, such as 'rolla páipéir' or the school 'rolla'.
