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View synonyms for helix

helix

[ 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.
    1. a spiral ornament.
    2. (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.


helix

/ ˈhiːlɪks /

noun

  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. See volute
    another name for volute
  5. any terrestrial gastropod mollusc of the genus Helix, which includes the garden snail ( H. aspersa )


helix

/ lĭks /

  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.


helix

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


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Word History and Origins

Origin of helix1

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

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Word History and Origins

Origin of helix1

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

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Example Sentences

Perseverance carries on one of its wheels a symbol of Mars rover tracks twisted into the double helix shape of DNA.

This forms a delicate structure that often resembles a helix or rumpled bedsheets.

Once detected, Cas9 hones in on the site and efficiently cuts the double helix strands.

It’s probably unfair, but from my point of view, the others aren’t as exciting as the discovery of the double helix.

After she helped identify the double helix shape of DNA, Franklin analyzed viruses.

These drugs interfere with the double helix zip-unzip-zip-again process of RNA and DNA replication.

This process, known as epigenetics, involves the addition of small chemical tags known as methyl groups to the DNA double helix.

Maazel writes about a soon-to-be Helix hostage, Anne-Janet, who was on “cancer furlough.”

The largest is Helix pomatia (figured on pp. 11 and 12), which often goes by the name of “the edible snail.”

In 1878 he removed to Umatilla county, Oregon, where he took up a homestead and a timber culture near Helix.

He went carelessly too near the still revolving machinery, and his coat-flap was caught and wound into the helix of the pugmill.

There are to be found in this bed of marl several species of helix and voluta.

If the latter is in the form of a helix its magnetic field resembles that of a straight bar magnet.

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helium IIhell