heli-

¹ American  

1. variant of helio- before a vowel.

   helianthus.

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heli- ² American  

1. a combining form representing helicopter in compound words.

   helidrop; helilift; helitaxi.

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heli- British  

combining form

1. helicopter

   heliport

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Usage

What does heli- mean? Heli- is a combining form used like a prefix that has two distinct senses.The first of these senses is “sun,” and this form of heli- is occasionally used in a variety of scientific and technical terms. Heli- comes from Greek hḗlios, meaning “sun.” The Latin cognate, sōl, is the source of several words related to the sun, such as solar and solstice.The second of these senses is “helicopter,” and this form of heli- is occasionally used in a variety of technical terms. Heli- comes from the word helicopter in a bit of a roundabout way. The word helicopter comes from French helicopètre and is a combination of two forms: helico-, meaning "spiral," and -pter, meaning "one with wings." However, helicopter is abbreviated using only the first syllable, heli-. Find out more about the word helicopter at our entry for the word.What are variants of heli- with the sense “sun”?Heli- is a variant of helio-, which loses its -o- when combined with words or word elements beginning with vowels. Want to know more? Read our Words That Use article for helio-.

Etymology

Origin of heli-

By analysis of helicopter as heli- (an assumed combining form with -i- ) + -copter; copter

Example Sentences

Heli Mönttinen sees the significance of the work more broadly, for example in understanding the basic principles of biological life.

From Science Daily

According to postdoctoral researcher Heli Mönttinen, this enables the closest inspection of the origin of genes thus far.

From Science Daily

The Teton Range is a hotspot for heli skiing, or flying a helicopter to reach remote skiing terrain, but only outside Grand Teton and designated wilderness areas in winter.

From Seattle Times

Blade last year acquired the charter and scheduled flight operations of European firms Monacair, Heli Securite and Azur Helicoptere, which it said would be "crucial" for ongoing technical and commercial discussions with Eve.

From Reuters

It was as disturbing as Amat Escalante's "Heli" and "Los Bastardos," and Michel Franco's "New Order."

From Salon