helical

adjective

he·​li·​cal ˈhe-li-kəl How to pronounce helical (audio) ˈhē- How to pronounce helical (audio)
: of, relating to, or having the form of a helix
broadly : spiral sense 1a
helically adverb

Examples of helical in a Sentence

Sirius, the brightest star in the heavens, travels a helical path through space.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Why animals construct helical burrows: Construction vs. post-construction benefits University of Florida. Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 24 Oct. 2024 The choice to use helical teeth instead of standard teeth was made to improve load distribution and to reduce operating noise. New Atlas, 4 Oct. 2024 All of the pipes had a narrow open channel down the middle, which was surrounded by a helical structure that caused any liquid passing through the pipe to swirl forward. Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 25 Sep. 2024 Faces turned away from Rihanna and up towards the museum's helical ramp where the models at long last began their descent down the runway. Chloe Malle, Vogue, 7 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for helical 

Word History

First Known Use

1591, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of helical was in 1591

Dictionary Entries Near helical

Cite this Entry

“Helical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/helical. Accessed 14 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

helical

adjective
he·​li·​cal ˈhel-i-kəl How to pronounce helical (audio) ˈhē-li- How to pronounce helical (audio)
: of, relating to, or having the form of a helix
the helical configuration of DNA
broadly : spiral sense 1a
helically adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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