helix

noun

he·​lix ˈhē-liks How to pronounce helix (audio)
plural helices ˈhe-lə-ˌsēz How to pronounce helix (audio)
ˈhē-
also helixes ˈhē-lik-səz How to pronounce helix (audio)
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 Made of stainless steel, the spiral screw features grooved metal that helps the helix insert smoothly into the cork. Maya Polton, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Feb. 2024 The helix is one of several office towers granted approval, but the helix stands out. Matthew Barakat, USA TODAY, 23 Apr. 2022 The cable motif has been part of the brand’s DNA for decades, and with this new iteration, the iconic helix design evolves into a slimmer, flatter silhouette. Jackie Fields, Peoplemag, 5 Sep. 2023 Unlike a forward helix, a flat helix isn't meant to be seen from the front. Leah Prinzivalli, Allure, 29 Oct. 2022 Because skyscrapers are banned in the District of Columbia, and the Amazon buildings will be among the tallest in Arlington County, from some vantage points the helix will dominate the region’s skyline like no building other than the Washington Monument. Matthew Barakat, USA TODAY, 23 Apr. 2022 Another antibody, which targets a spike site known as the stem helix, blocked all SARS-CoV-2 variants from fusing with human cell membranes. By Robert F. Service, science.org, 24 May 2023 His was the first example of what later came to be called a helix traveling-wave tube. IEEE Spectrum, 25 Aug. 2015 Nature mimics helixes and the golden ratio is influenced by the sun and gravity because everything grows towards the sun. Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'helix.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of helix was in 1563

Dictionary Entries Near helix

Cite this Entry

“Helix.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/helix. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

helix

noun
he·​lix ˈhē-liks How to pronounce helix (audio)
plural helices ˈhel-ə-ˌsēz How to pronounce helix (audio)
ˈhē-lə-
also helixes ˈhē-lik-səz How to pronounce helix (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce helix (audio)
plural helices ˈhel-ə-ˌsēz How to pronounce helix (audio) ˈhē-lə- How to pronounce helix (audio) also helixes ˈhē-lik-səz How to pronounce helix (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on helix

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