helix

noun

he·​lix ˈhē-liks 

plural helices ˈhe-lə-ˌsēz  ˈhē-  also helixes ˈhē-lik-səz 

1

: something spiral in form: such as

a

: an ornamental volute

b

: a coil formed by winding wire around a uniform tube

2

: the incurved rim of the external ear

3

: a curve traced on a cylinder or cone by the rotation of a point crossing its right sections at a constant oblique angle

broadly : spiral sense 1b

Examples of helix in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The scientists printed a number of different prototype pipes, experimenting with geometrical parameters such as the pitch angle and number of turns in the helices. —Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 25 Sep. 2024

The dual-twisted, braided, helix design has a premium look. —Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 20 Sep. 2024

The helix of the cable knit adds a classic, studious twist. —Rhonda Richford, WWD, 9 Sep. 2024

After a 138-foot drop, the track had a dizzying combo of two vertical loops, a 200-foot corkscrew, a boomerang turn (something like a bow-tie shape) and a 360-degree helix, churning the stomachs of 46 million riders. —Jeff Suess, The Enquirer, 16 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from Greek; akin to Greek eilyein to roll, wrap — more at voluble

First Known Use

1563, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing helix

• alpha-helix
• double helix

Kids Definition

helix

noun

he·​lix ˈhē-liks 

plural helices ˈhel-ə-ˌsēz 

ˈhē-lə-

also helixes ˈhē-lik-səz 

: a curve that is formed by a point rotating around a straight line and moving forward in a direction parallel to that line compare double helix

helical

ˈhel-i-kəl

ˈhē-li-

adjective

Medical Definition

helix

noun

he·​lix ˈhē-liks 

plural helices ˈhel-ə-ˌsēz  ˈhē-lə-  also helixes ˈhē-lik-səz 

1

: the incurved rim of the external ear

2

: a curve traced on a cylinder by the rotation of a point crossing its right sections at a constant oblique angle

broadly : spiral sense 2 see alpha-helix, double helix