This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
helix
[ hee-liks ]
/ ˈhi lɪks /
Save This Word!
This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
noun, plural hel·i·ces [hel-uh-seez], /ˈhɛl əˌsiz/, he·lix·es.
a spiral.
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.
Architecture.
- a spiral ornament.
- (in a Corinthian capital) either of two scrolls issuing from a cauliculus.Compare Corinthian (def. 2).
Anatomy. the curved fold forming most of the rim of the external ear.
Biochemistry. alpha helix.
QUIZ
WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?
Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!
Question 1 of 7
Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.
Origin of helix
1555–65; <Latin: a spiral, a kind of ivy <Greek hélix anything twisted; compare helíssein to turn, twist, roll
Words nearby helix
helistop, helium, helium flash, helium I, helium II, helix, hell, hella, hellacious, Helladic, Hellas
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use helix in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for helix
helix
/ (ˈhiːlɪks) /
noun plural helices (ˈhɛlɪˌsiːz) or helixes
a curve that lies on a cylinder or cone, at a constant angle to the line segments making up the surface; spiral
a spiral shape or form
the incurving fold that forms the margin of the external ear
another name for volute (def. 2)
any terrestrial gastropod mollusc of the genus Helix, which includes the garden snail (H. aspersa)
Word Origin for helix
C16: from Latin, from Greek: spiral; probably related to Greek helissein to twist
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Scientific definitions for helix
helix
[ hē′lĭks ]
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.
Something, such as a strand of DNA, having a spiral shape.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Cultural definitions for helix
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.