helix

noun he·lix \ ˈhē-liks \

Updated on: 29 Apr 2018

Definition of helix

plural helices play \ˈhe-lə-ˌsēz, ˈhē-\ also helixes play \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 1b

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Recent Examples of helix from the Web

The structure can form from ordinary double-helix DNA, usually in acidic environments.

— avery thompson, Popular Mechanics, "Scientists Discover That the Double Helix Isn't the Only DNA Form," 24 Apr. 2018
What a waste of time for a human to have to find the nearest facility, drive there, helix up endless ramps, and then cruise the aisles.

— alex davies, WIRED, "Forget Self Driving. The Future is in Self Parking," 25 Mar. 2018
The study, put together by the Skidmore, Owings and Merrill urban planning firm, includes numerous near-term infrastructure possibilities beyond demolition of the Joe, including the removal of the Cobo parking helix and Exit 1A from the Lodge.

— eric d. lawrence, Detroit Free Press, "Study: Joe Louis demolition, better access on nearby streets would open up Detroit's Riverfront," 12 Mar. 2018
Highlights of this day in history: Scientists discover DNA's double-helix structure; The Branch Davidian standoff begins in Waco, Texas; Swedish Prime Minister Olof Palme assassinated; U2 releases its 'War' album.

— bill keveney, USA TODAY, "'Waco' star Taylor Kitsch on playing 'manipulative,' but not crazy Branch Davidian leader," 23 Jan. 2018
Nevertheless, the two helix tracking antenna on the roof of an Astronautics building picked up capsule signals for thee minutes.

— sandiegouniontribune.com, "Glenn orbits the Earth," 21 Feb. 2018
Inanimate objects joining the mix include a lab coat, hiking boot, ballet flat, softball, lacrosse stick, stick of dynamite, test tube, DNA helix, pirate flag and more.

— jamie ducharme, Fortune, "Redheads Will Finally Get Emojis This Year," 8 Feb. 2018
One common feature is a spiral stretch of amino acids called an alpha helix.

— carl zimmer, New York Times, "Scientists Are Designing Artisanal Proteins for Your Body," 26 Dec. 2017
In the case of this installation, the helix slowly rotates from a cloud of chaos into clarity: into harmony.

— yasmine gray, Billboard, "Chloe x Halle, Benjamin Shine Talk Interactive Art Collab for 29Rooms," 18 Sep. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'helix.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of helix

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1563

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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HELIX Defined for English Language Learners

helix

noun

Definition of helix for English Language Learners

: the shape formed by a line that curves around and along a central line

Medical Dictionary

helix

noun he·lix \ ˈhē-liks \

medical Definition of helix

plural helices play \ˈhel-ə-ˌsēz, ˈhē-lə-\ also helixes play \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 2 — see alpha-helix, double helix

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helix

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helix

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