helicon

¹

[hel-i-kon, -kuhn]

noun

1. a coiled tuba carried over the shoulder and used especially in military bands.

Helicon

²

[hel-i-kon, -kuhn]

noun

1. a mountain in S central Greece. 5,738 feet (1,749 meters): regarded by ancient Greeks as the abode of Apollo and the Muses.

Helicon

¹

/ ˈhɛlɪkən /

noun

1. Modern Greek name: Elikón. a mountain in Greece, in Boeotia: location of the springs of Hippocrene and Aganippe, believed by the Ancient Greeks to be the source of poetic inspiration and the home of the Muses. Height: 1749 m (5738 ft)

helicon

²

/ ˈhɛlɪkən /

noun

1. a bass tuba made to coil over the shoulder of a band musician

Word History and Origins

Origin of Helicon¹

1520–30; probably special use of Helicon, by association with helico-

Word History and Origins

Origin of Helicon¹

C19: probably from _Helicon , associated with Greek helix spiral

Example Sentences

The pitch of the helicon is an octave below that of the euphonium.

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The helicons are bold insects, and did not seem to mind our close inspecting eyes.

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For military purposes, this and the contrabass—the helicon—are circular.

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As we bumped by the huts the helicons and swallow tails rose precipitously from the mangled cans and cast rubbish.

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