helix

The definition of a helix is a spiral, or something shaped like a spiral.

(noun)

An example of a helix is the shape inside the shell of a chambered nautilus sea creature.

See helix in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun pl. helixes or helices

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
Anat. the folded rim of cartilage around the outer ear
Archit. an ornamental spiral, as a volute on a Corinthian or Ionic capital
Zool. any of a genus (Helix) of spiral-shelled land gastropods, including the common, edible European snail (H. pomatia)

Origin: L, kind of ivy, spiral < Gr, a spiral < helissein, to turn around < IE base *wel-, to turn, twist > walk

See helix in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun pl. he·lix·es or hel·i·ces (hĕlˈĭ-sēzˌ, hēˈlĭ-)

Mathematics A three-dimensional curve that lies on a cylinder or cone, so that its angle to a plane perpendicular to the axis is constant.
A spiral form or structure.
Anatomy The folded rim of skin and cartilage around most of the outer ear.
Architecture A volute on a Corinthian or Ionic capital.

Origin:

Origin: Latin

Origin: , from Greek; see wel-² in Indo-European roots

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