Synonyms: spiral, twist, curl, loop More Synonyms of helix
helix in British English
(ˈhiːlɪks)
nounWord forms: pluralhelices (ˈhɛlɪˌsiːz) or 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
helix in American English
(ˈhilɪks)
nounWord forms: pluralˈhelixes or ˈheliˌces (ˈhɛlɪˌsiz)
1.
any spiral, as one lying in a single plane or, esp., one moving around a right circular cone or cylinder at a constant angle, as a screw or bolt thread does
2. Anatomy
the folded rim of cartilage around the outer ear
3. Architecture
an ornamental spiral, as a volute on a Corinthian or Ionic capital
4. Zoology
any of a genus (Helix) of spiral-shelled land gastropods, including the common, edible European snail (H. pomatia)
Word origin
L, kind of ivy, spiral < Gr, a spiral < helissein, to turn around < IE base *wel-, to turn, twist > walk
Examples of 'helix' in a sentence
helix
(We are all of us, poor humankind, trapped in this double helix of deceit.
Edward Docx THE CALLIGRAPHER (2003)
Serpens, the Australia- sized mainland, had one terrific harbor: the land was stretched into a mountainous rugged helix.
Niven, Larry & Pournelle, Jerry THE MOAT AROUND MURCHESON'S EYE (2003)
(noun)
Definition
a spiral
Coil the fibre into a helix.
Synonyms
spiral
Larks were rising in spirals from the ridge.
twist
the bare bulb hanging from a twist of flex
curl
A thick curl of smoke rose from the rusty stove.
loop
She reached for a loop of garden hose.
coil
Tess slung the coil of rope over her shoulder.
corkscrew
gyre (literary)
curlicue
volute (technical)
Additional synonyms
in the sense of coil
Definition
a single loop of such a series
Tess slung the coil of rope over her shoulder.
Synonyms
loop,
twist,
curl,
spiral,
twirl
in the sense of curl
Definition
a curved or spiral shape
A thick curl of smoke rose from the rusty stove.
Synonyms
twist,
spiral,
coil,
kink,
whorl,
curlicue
in the sense of loop
Definition
any round or oval-shaped thing that is closed or nearly closed