helix

American  

[hee-liks] / ˈhi lɪks /

noun

plural

helices, helixes

1. a spiral.

2. Geometry. the curve formed by a straight line drawn on a plane when that plane is wrapped around a cylindrical surface of any kind, especially a right circular cylinder, as the curve of a screw. Equation: x = a sinθ, y = a cosθ, z = b θ.

3. Architecture.

   1. a spiral ornament.

   2. (in a Corinthian capital) either of two scrolls issuing from a cauliculus.

4. Anatomy. the curved fold forming most of the rim of the external ear.

5. Biochemistry. alpha helix.

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helix British  

/ ˈhiːlɪks /

noun

1. a curve that lies on a cylinder or cone, at a constant angle to the line segments making up the surface; spiral

2. a spiral shape or form

3. the incurving fold that forms the margin of the external ear

4. another name for volute

5. any terrestrial gastropod mollusc of the genus Helix, which includes the garden snail ( H. aspersa )

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helix Scientific  

/ hē′lĭks /

1. A three-dimensional spiral curve. In mathematical terms, a helix can be described as a curve turning about an axis on the surface of a cylinder or cone while rising at a constant upward angle from a base.

2. Something, such as a strand of DNA, having a spiral shape.

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helix Cultural  

1. In geometry, a three-dimensional spiral shape, resembling a spring.

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Etymology

Origin of helix

1555–65; < Latin: a spiral, a kind of ivy < Greek hélix anything twisted; compare helíssein to turn, twist, roll

Explanation

A helix is a twisted, spiral shape, like a corkscrew. In math, a helix is defined as "a curve in three-dimensional space." If you have ever seen a spiral staircase, you can envision the shape of a helix. To picture the shape of a helix, imagine the coil of a spring inside a sofa, or the shape the threads of a screw make, curling in a spiral. When you hear the word helix, you may think of a double helix, which resembles two interconnected spirals and describes the shape of human DNA. In both Latin and Greek, helix means "spiral" or "spiral-shaped thing."

Example Sentences

The recent announcement that Microsoft's Xbox division was working on a new console, code-named Project Helix, showed, she said at the time, the "commitment to the return of Xbox".

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

An upgraded version, called the Helix, can be yours for $190,000.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

While some fans have declared "Xbox is back" following the Project Helix reveal, others have pointed out that the news isn't exactly a bombshell.

From BBC • Mar. 6, 2026

Helix will have an electric range of about 30 minutes and a cruise speed of 62 mph, the company said.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 30, 2026

Some of the others are decidedly southern species, like Chondrula tridens, Helix obvoluta, H. rotundata, and H. striata.

From The History of the European Fauna by Scharff, Robert Francis

Related Words

• arc
• arch
• contour
• loop
• trajectory