helix

[hee-liks] /ˈhi lɪks/
noun, plural helices
[hel-uh-seez] /ˈhɛl əˌsiz/ (Show IPA), helixes.
1.
a spiral.
2.
Geometry. the curve formed by a straight line drawn on a plane when that plane is wrapped around a cylindrical surface of any kind, especially a right circular cylinder, as the curve of a screw. Equation: x = a sinθ, y = a cosθ, z = b θ.
3.
Architecture.
  1. a spiral ornament.
  2. (in a Corinthian capital) either of two scrolls issuing from a cauliculus.
    Compare Corinthian (def 2).
4.
Anatomy. the curved fold forming most of the rim of the external ear.
5.
Biochemistry, alpha helix.
Origin
1555-65; < Latin: a spiral, a kind of ivy < Greek hélix anything twisted; compare helíssein to turn, twist, roll
British Dictionary definitions for helix

helix

/ˈhiːlɪks/
noun (pl) helices (ˈhɛlɪˌsiːz), helixes
1.
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.
the incurving fold that forms the margin of the external ear
4.
another name for volute (sense 2)
5.
any terrestrial gastropod mollusc of the genus Helix, which includes the garden snail (H. aspersa)
Word Origin
C16: from Latin, from Greek: spiral; probably related to Greek helissein to twist
Word Origin and History for helix
n.

"a spiral thing," 1560s, from Latin helix "spiral," from Greek helix (genitive helikos), related to eilein "to turn, twist, roll," from PIE *wel-ik-, from root *wel- "to turn, revolve" (see volvox).

helix in Medicine

helix he·lix (hē'lĭks)
n. pl. he·lix·es or hel·i·ces (hěl'ĭ-sēz', hē'lĭ-)

  1. A spiral form or structure.

  2. The folded rim of skin and cartilage around most of the outer ear.

  3. A three-dimensional curve that lies on a cylinder or cone, so that its angle to a plane perpendicular to the axis is constant.

helix in Science
helix
  (hē'lĭks)   

  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.


helix in Culture
helix [(hee-liks)]

In geometry, a three-dimensional spiral shape, resembling a spring.

helix in Technology

A hardware description language from Silvar-Lisco.