helices

[hel-uh-seez]

hel·i·ces

[hel-uh-seez]
noun
a plural of helix.
Dictionary.com Unabridged

he·lix

[hee-liks]
noun, plural hel·i·ces [hel-uh-seez] , he·lix·es.
1.
a spiral.
2.
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.
3.
Architecture.
a.
a spiral ornament.
b.
(in a Corinthian capital) either of two scrolls issuing from a cauliculus. Compare Corinthian (def. 2).
4.
Anatomy. the curved fold forming most of the rim of the external ear.
5.
Biochemistry. alpha helix.

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

Co·rin·thi·an

[kuh-rin-thee-uhn]
adjective
1.
of, pertaining to, or characteristic of Corinth.
2.
Architecture. noting or pertaining to one of the five classical orders invented in ancient Greece and similar in most respects to the Ionic but usually of slenderer proportions, and characterized by a deep capital with a round bell decorated with acanthus leaves and a square abacus with concave sides. The Corinthian capital has typically two distinct rows of acanthus leaves above which appear eight fluted sheaths, from each of which spring two scrolls (helices), of which one curls beneath a corner of the abacus as half of a volute and the other curls beneath the center of the abacus. Compare composite (def. 3), Doric (def. 3), Ionic (def. 1), Tuscan (def. 2).
3.
ornate, as literary style.
4.
luxurious or licentious.
5.
pertaining to or designating a style of vase painting developed in Corinth, in the 7th and early 6th centuries b.c., characterized chiefly by human, animal, and ornamental motifs, painted boldly in a black figure style on a terra-cotta ground, often arranged in tiers around the vase.
noun
6.
a native or inhabitant of Corinth.
7.
a man about town, especially one who lives luxuriously or, sometimes, dissolutely.
8.
an amateur yachtsman.
9.
Manège. a horse-show class in which each contestant must be a member of a recognized hunt and wear regulation hunt livery. Compare appointment (def. 7).

Origin:
1350–1400; Middle English Corinthi(es) men of Corinth (< Latin Corinthiī < Greek Korínthioi; see Corinth) + -an
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
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Collins
World English Dictionary
helices (ˈhɛlɪˌsiːz)
 
n
a plural of helix

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
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Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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American Heritage
Science Dictionary
helix   (hē'lĭks)  Pronunciation Key 
  1. 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.

  2. Something, such as a strand of DNA, having a spiral shape.


The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
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