he·lix (h  l ks)n. pl. he·lix·es or hel·i·ces (h  l-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.] |   circular helix in a right circular cylinder |
helix [ˈhiːlɪks]
n pl helices [ˈhɛlɪˌsiːz], helixes
1. (Mathematics) 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. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Anatomy) the incurving fold that forms the margin of the external ear
4. (Fine Arts & Visual Arts / Architecture) another name for volute [2]
5. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Animals) any terrestrial gastropod mollusc of the genus Helix, which includes the garden snail (H. aspersa)
[from Latin, from Greek: spiral; probably related to Greek helissein to twist]
| 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. |
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. |  helix - a curve that lies on the surface of a cylinder or cone and cuts the element at a constant anglecurve, 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"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 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 |
helix
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