Main Entry: hel·i·con

Pronunciation: \ˈhe-lə-ˌkän, -i-kən\

Function: noun

Etymology: probably from Greek helik-, helix + English -on (as in bombardon); from its tube's forming a spiral encircling the player's body

Date: circa 1875

: a large circular tuba similar to a sousaphone but lacking an adjustable bell

[helicon illustration]