meaning of recoil
recoil [re-koylÂ´] 1. to pull back quickly, such as towards a resting position upon removal of a strong opposing force. 2. (reÂ´koil) a pulling back quickly. elastic recoil the ability of a stretched elastic object or organ, such as the lung or bladder, to return to its resting position. See also elastance. recoil /reÂ·coil/ (reÂ´koil) a quick pulling back.