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 installation emphasizes the brand’s focus on craftsmanship, while the helix looks futuristic against a white, minimalist background. —Rhonda Richford, WWD, 5 Dec. 2024

The formic acid breaks up the giant stacks of spirals–or helices–that make up starch. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 21 Nov. 2024

But depending on the sand or soil composition, an animal may instead dig a helix, which resembles a corkscrew shape. —Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 24 Oct. 2024

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

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