English Explanatory Dictionary

helix

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A curve on the surface of a cylinder or cone such that its angle to a plane perpendicular to the axis is constant; the three-dimensional curve seen in a screw or a spiral staircase.
  2. A small volute under the abacus of a Corinthian capital.
  3. The incurved rim of the external ear.
  4. An upside down midair 360° spin in playboating.
verb
  1. To form or cause to form a helix.

Pronunciation

/ˈhiːlɪks/ en-us-helix.ogg

Word forms

helix helixes helices helixing helixed

Etymology

From Latin helix, from Ancient Greek ἕλιξ (hélix, “something twisted or spiral”).

Synonyms

spiral

Related words

helicopter left-handed right-handed spiral

Derived words

alpha helix anthelix antihelix Boerdijk-Coxeter helix double helix helical helically helicase heliciform helicin helixlike hemihelix interhelix microhelix minihelix multihelix superhelix tetrahelix trihelix self-helixing
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