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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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6 June 2025
PUNGENCY
(noun) wit having a sharp and caustic quality; “he commented with typical pungency”; “the bite of satire”
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