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

Once inside, visitors can experience a double-helix layout, where two counter-rotating staircases provide different routes for those going up to the top and those descending. — New Atlas, 21 Aug. 2026

There’s also the DNA helix, part of a dinosaur lurking and an asteroid. — Janice Neumann, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026

Rosalind Franklin captured the critical X-ray diffraction image that proved the double-helix structure of DNA. — Frank Racioppi, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026

That double-helix structure is the secret to the tusk’s remarkable stiffness and strength, with the flexible fibers and stiff mineral matrix enabling the tusk to withstand strong forces, like bending and twisting without cracking. — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 18 Aug. 2026

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