helix (redirected from a-helix)

he·lix  (hlks) n. pl. he·lix·es or hel·i·ces (hl-sz, hl-) 1. Mathematics A three-dimensional curve that lies on a cylinder or cone, so that its angle to a plane perpendicular to the axis is constant. 2. A spiral form or structure. 3. Anatomy The folded rim of skin and cartilage around most of the outer ear. 4. Architecture A volute on a Corinthian or Ionic capital. [Latin, from Greek; see wel-2 in Indo-European roots.]

helix circular helix in a right circular cylinder

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helix [heel-iks, hell-iss-seez]

Noun

pl helices helixes a spiral [Greek: spiral]

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helix  (hlks)

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.

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	helix - a curve that lies on the surface of a cylinder or cone and cuts the element at a constant angle spiral curve, curved shape - the trace of a point whose direction of motion changes double helix - a pair of parallel helices intertwined about a common axis; "the shape of the DNA molecule is a double helix"
	2.	helix - a structure consisting of something wound in a continuous series of loops; "a coil of rope" coil, volute, whorl, spiral hank - a coil of rope or wool or yarn structure, construction - a thing constructed; a complex entity constructed of many parts; "the structure consisted of a series of arches"; "she wore her hair in an amazing construction of whirls and ribbons"
	3.	Helix - type genus of the family Helicidae genus Helix mollusk genus - a genus of mollusks family Helicidae, Helicidae - land snails including the common edible snail and some pests edible snail, Helix pomatia - one of the chief edible snails garden snail - any of several inedible snails of the genus Helix; often destructive pests brown snail, Helix aspersa - serious garden pest having a brown shell with paler zigzag markings; nearly cosmopolitan in distribution Helix hortensis - a kind of garden snail