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

The new Coco ride will back up to the western helix of the Incredicoaster roller coaster in Pixar Pier, according to the concept art. —Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 6 June 2025

The gears walk the grain turner down racks as the helixes spin it about every eight hours. —Catherine Muccigrosso, Charlotte Observer, 29 Apr. 2025

The classic cable bracelet features Yurman’s signature twisted helix design. —Nora Colomer May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 3 May 2025

Mount Helix takes its name from the helix aspersa, a European garden snail that a Swiss biologist discovered in the area in 1872. —Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Mar. 2025

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