Definition of helix
helices
play \ˈhe-lə-ˌsēz, ˈhē-\ alsohelixes
play \ˈhē-lik-səz\1 : something spiral in form: such asa : an ornamental voluteb : 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
From the M-W Editors
Recent Examples of helix from the Web
-
Individually and together, Iovine and Dre (born Andre Young) have provided the double-helix backbone upon which a staggering portion of American popular music released since 1975 stands.
-
A man exits Swing’s Coffee up the block, a helix of steam convecting from his cup and into the air.
-
Many of the building’s original features—its glass cupola, its 19th century ironwork, its double-helix staircase—will be preserved.
-
Physical micromotors often use a helix of magnetic material, spinning naturally under the control of a rotating magnetic field.
-
Grossmont Hills League Granite Hills 2, Santana 0 Helix 9, Grossmont 8.
-
As Elle UK first reported, tattoo artists are creating intricate artwork on the small curve on the back of people's ears (ie: the helix).
-
Patriot riders’ legs dangled inches above the track as the coaster took them from a nine-story drop to a 360-degree loop, a helix that threads the loop and a corkscrew at a top speed of 45 mph.
-
As its name suggests, English ivy (Hedera helix) originally occurred throughout the British Isles and Europe, as well as parts of northern Africa and western Asia.
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
HELIX Defined for English Language Learners
helix
playDefinition of helix for English Language Learners
-
: the shape formed by a line that curves around and along a central line
Medical Dictionary
helix
playMedical Definition of helix
helices
\ˈhel-ə-ˌsēz, ˈhē-lə-\play play alsohelixes
\ˈhē-lik-səz\play1: 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
Learn More about helix
-
Spanish Central: Translation of helix Nglish: Translation of helix for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of helix for Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up helix? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!