helix Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a curve that lies on the surface of a cylinder or cone and cuts the element at a constant angle
    spiral.
  2. noun a structure consisting of something wound in a continuous series of loops
    coil; volute; spiral; whorl.
    • a coil of rope
  3. noun type genus of the family Helicidae
    genus Helix.

WordNet

He"lix noun
Etymology
L. helix, Gr. , , fr. to turn round; cf. L. volvere, and E. volute, voluble.
Wordforms
plural L Helices E Helixes
Definitions
  1. (Geom.) A nonplane curve whose tangents are all equally inclined to a given plane. The common helix is the curve formed by the thread of the ordinary screw. It is distinguished from the spiral, all the convolutions of which are in the plane.
  2. (Arch.) A caulicule or little volute under the abacus of the Corinthian capital.
  3. (Anat.) The incurved margin or rim of the external ear. See Illust. of Ear.
  4. (Zoöl.) A genus of land snails, including a large number of species. ✍ The genus originally included nearly all shells, but is now greatly restricted. See Snail, Pulmonifera.

Webster 1913