helix

helix definition - medical

he·lix (hēˈlĭks)

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

The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

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