helix

noun

he·​lix ˈhē-liks How to pronounce helix (audio)
plural helices ˈhe-lə-ˌsēz How to pronounce helix (audio) ˈhē- How to pronounce helix (audio) 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
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.
The scientists printed a number of different prototype pipes, experimenting with geometrical parameters such as the pitch angle and number of turns in the helices. Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 25 Sep. 2024 The dual-twisted, braided, helix design has a premium look. Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 20 Sep. 2024 The helix of the cable knit adds a classic, studious twist. Rhonda Richford, WWD, 9 Sep. 2024 After a 138-foot drop, the track had a dizzying combo of two vertical loops, a 200-foot corkscrew, a boomerang turn (something like a bow-tie shape) and a 360-degree helix, churning the stomachs of 46 million riders. Jeff Suess, The Enquirer, 16 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for helix 

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 2 Dec. 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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