Nearby Words
noun, plural hel·i·ces 
[hel-uh-seez] , he·lix·es.
[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
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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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
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Helix
is always a great word to know.
So is callithumpian. Does it mean:
| a calculus or concretion found in the stomach or intestines of certain animals, esp. ruminants, formerly reputed to be an effective remedy for poison. |
| a children's mummer's parade, as on the Fourth of July, with prizes for the best costumes. |
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
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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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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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
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The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2002. Published by Houghton Mifflin. All rights reserved.
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Copyright © 2002. Published by Houghton Mifflin. All rights reserved.
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American Heritage
Cultural Dictionary
helix [(hee-liks)]In geometry, a three-dimensional spiral shape, resembling a spring.
The American Heritage® New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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