HELIX

Helix, genus Helix

(noun) type genus of the family Helicidae

coil, spiral, volute, whorl, helix

(noun) a structure consisting of something wound in a continuous series of loops; “a coil of rope”

helix, spiral

(noun) a curve that lies on the surface of a cylinder or cone and cuts the element at a constant angle

Source: WordNet® 3.1


Etymology

Noun

helix (plural helixes or helices)

(mathematics) A curve on the surface of a cylinder or cone such that its angle to a plane perpendicular to the axis is constant; the three-dimensional curve seen in a screw or a spiral staircase.

(architecture) A small volute under the abacus of a Corinthian capital.

(anatomy) The incurved rim of the external ear.

An upside down midair 360° spin in playboating.

Synonyms

• (curve): spiral (not in technical use)

Verb

helix (third-person singular simple present helixes, present participle helixing, simple past and past participle helixed)

To form or cause to form a helix.

Source: Wiktionary


He"lix, n.; pl. L. Helices, E. Helixes. Etym: [L. helix, Gr. volvere, and E. volute, voluble.]

1. (Geom.)

Definition: 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.)

Definition: A caulicule or little volute under the abacus of the Corinthian capital.

3. (Anat.)

Definition: The incurved margin or rim of the external ear. See Illust. of Ear.

4. (Zoöl.)

Definition: A genus of land snails, including a large number of species.

Note: The genus originally included nearly all shells, but is now greatly restricted. See Snail, Pulmonifera.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



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Word of the Day

3 April 2025

WHOLE

(noun) an assemblage of parts that is regarded as a single entity; “how big is that part compared to the whole?”; “the team is a unit”


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Coffee Trivia

Coffee has initially been a food – chewed, not sipped. Early African tribes consume coffee by grinding the berries together, adding some animal fat, and rolling the treats into tiny edible energy balls.

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