helical

adjective

he·​li·​cal ˈhe-li-kəl How to pronounce helical (audio) ˈhē- How to pronounce helical (audio)
: of, relating to, or having the form of a helix
broadly : spiral sense 1a
helically adverb

Examples of helical in a Sentence

Sirius, the brightest star in the heavens, travels a helical path through space.
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.
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 See All Example Sentences for helical

Word History

First Known Use

1591, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of helical was in 1591

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Cite this Entry

“Helical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/helical. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

Medical Definition

helical

adjective
he·​li·​cal ˈhel-i-kəl How to pronounce helical (audio) ˈhē-li- How to pronounce helical (audio)
: of, relating to, or having the form of a helix
the helical configuration of DNA
broadly : spiral sense 1a
helically adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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