helix

noun

he·​lix ˈhē-liks 

plural helices ˈhe-lə-ˌsēz  ˈhē-  also helixes ˈhē-lik-səz 

1

: something spiral in form: such as

a

: an ornamental volute

b

: a coil formed by winding wire around a uniform tube

2

: the incurved rim of the external ear

3

: a curve traced on a cylinder or cone by the rotation of a point crossing its right sections at a constant oblique angle

broadly : spiral sense 1b

Examples of helix in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

One of the most common varieties of this picturesque botanical, English ivy (Hedera helix), might be harming your tree. — Rachel Silva, Martha Stewart, 30 Aug. 2026

Once inside, visitors can experience a double-helix layout, where two counter-rotating staircases provide different routes for those going up to the top and those descending. — New Atlas, 21 Aug. 2026

There’s also the DNA helix, part of a dinosaur lurking and an asteroid. — Janice Neumann, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026

Rosalind Franklin captured the critical X-ray diffraction image that proved the double-helix structure of DNA. — Frank Racioppi, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from Greek; akin to Greek eilyein to roll, wrap — more at voluble

First Known Use

1563, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing helix

• alpha-helix
• double helix

Rhymes for helix

• felix

Kids Definition

helix

noun

he·​lix ˈhē-liks 

plural helices ˈhel-ə-ˌsēz 

ˈhē-lə-

also helixes ˈhē-lik-səz 

: a curve that is formed by a point rotating around a straight line and moving forward in a direction parallel to that line compare double helix

helical

ˈhel-i-kəl, 

ˈhē-li-

adjective

Medical Definition

helix

noun

he·​lix ˈhē-liks 

plural helices ˈhel-ə-ˌsēz  ˈhē-lə-  also helixes ˈhē-lik-səz 

1

: the incurved rim of the external ear

2

: a curve traced on a cylinder by the rotation of a point crossing its right sections at a constant oblique angle

broadly : spiral sense 2 see alpha-helix, double helix