helicity
/ (hɪˈlɪsɪtɪ) /
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noun plural -ties
physics the projection of the spin of an elementary particle on the direction of propagation
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Word Origin for helicity
C20: from helix + -ity
Words nearby helicity
heliced, helices, helichrysum, helicine, helicine artery, helicity, helicline, helico-, helicograph, helicoid, helicoid cyme
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Scientific definitions for helicity
helicity
[ hə-lĭs′ĭ-tē, hē′ ]
The projection of a particle's spin vector in the direction of its momentum vector, being positive if it points in the same direction, and negative if it points in the opposite direction. Helicity is in effect the handedness, or chirality, of the spin of a particle.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
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