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helix

[hee-liks]

Origin

noun, plural hel·i·ces

[hel-uh-seez] , he·lix·es.

a spiral.

Geometry. the curve formed by a straight line drawn on a plane when that plane is wrapped around a cylindrical surface of any kind, especially a right circular cylinder, as the curve of a screw. Equation: x = a sinθ, y = a cosθ, z = b θ.

Architecture.

a spiral ornament.

(in a Corinthian capital) either of two scrolls issuing from a cauliculus. Compare Corinthian (def. 2).

Anatomy. the curved fold forming most of the rim of the external ear.

Biochemistry. alpha helix.

Origin:
1555–65; < Latin: a spiral, a kind of ivy < Greek hélix anything twisted; compare helíssein to turn, twist, roll

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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
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Helix is always a great word to know.

So is gobo. Does it mean:

an arrangement of five objects, as trees, in a square or rectangle, one at each corner and one in the middle.

a screen or mat covered with a dark material for shielding a camera lens from excess light or glare.

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Collins

World English Dictionary

helix (ˈhiːlɪks)

—n , pl helices, helixes
1.	a curve that lies on a cylinder or cone, at a constant angle to the line segments making up the surface; spiral
2.	a spiral shape or form
3.	the incurving fold that forms the margin of the external ear
4.	another name for volute
5.	any terrestrial gastropod mollusc of the genus Helix, which includes the garden snail (H. aspersa)

[C16: from Latin, from Greek: spiral; probably related to Greek helissein to twist]

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
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Etymonline

Word Origin & History

helix

1563, from L. helix "spiral," from Gk. helix (gen. helikos), related to eilein "to turn, twist, roll," from PIE base *wel- "to turn, revolve" (see vulva).

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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American Heritage

Medical Dictionary

helix he·lix (hē'lĭks)
n. pl. he·lix·es or hel·i·ces (hěl'ĭ-sēz', hē'lĭ-)

A spiral form or structure.
The folded rim of skin and cartilage around most of the outer ear.
A three-dimensional curve that lies on a cylinder or cone, so that its angle to a plane perpendicular to the axis is constant.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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American Heritage

Science Dictionary

helix (hē'lĭks) Pronunciation Key

A three-dimensional spiral curve. In mathematical terms, a helix can be described as a curve turning about an axis on the surface of a cylinder or cone while rising at a constant upward angle from a base.
Something, such as a strand of DNA, having a spiral shape.

American Heritage

Cultural Dictionary

helix [(hee-liks)]

In geometry, a three-dimensional spiral shape, resembling a spring.

FOLDOC

Computing Dictionary