helical

adjective

he·​li·​cal ˈhe-li-kəl  ˈhē- 

: of, relating to, or having the form of a helix

broadly : spiral sense 1a

helically

ˈhe-li-k(ə-)lē 

ˈhē-

adverb

Synonyms

• spiral
• winding

Examples of helical in a Sentence

Sirius, the brightest star in the heavens, travels a helical path through space.

Recent Examples on the Web

At night, the helical patterns look adorned with ribbons of LED lighting, transforming the bridge into a shimmering sculpture that reflects in the waters below. —Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2025

Any irregularity or jagged appearance in the helical area typically reflects changes in the shape or integrity of the cartilage beneath. —Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Oct. 2025

Closer to the galaxy's core, the jet takes on a helical form. —Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 2 Oct. 2025

Lab studies of the proteins suggest that their looped, helical configuration interacts with surrounding water molecules, lining them up into structures that encourage the formation of frozen droplets called ice nuclei. —Katherine Bourzac, Quanta Magazine, 15 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1591, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for helical

• pellicle
• evangelical

Medical Definition

helical

adjective

he·​li·​cal ˈhel-i-kəl  ˈhē-li- 

: of, relating to, or having the form of a helix

the helical configuration of DNA

broadly : spiral sense 1a

helically

-k(ə-)lē 

adverb