helix meaning: definition, etymology and quotations

helix

noun

/ˈhiːlɪks/

Etymology From Latin helix, from Ancient Greek ἕλιξ (hélix, “something twisted or spiral”).

Mathematics, Sciences 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, Medicine, Sciences The incurved rim of the external ear.

helix piercing

An upside down midair 360° spin in playboating.

Synonyms: spiral
Derived terms: alpha helix, anthelix, antihelix, Boerdijk-Coxeter helix, double helix, helical, helically, helicase, heliciform, helicin, helixlike, helix-loop-helix, helix-turn-helix, hemihelix, interhelix, microhelix, minihelix, multihelix, superhelix, tetrahelix, trihelix
Related terms: helicopter

helix

verb

Etymology From Latin helix, from Ancient Greek ἕλιξ (hélix, “something twisted or spiral”).

To form or cause to form a helix.

A large positive inclination gives a chip which will helix out of the space between the face mill and the workpiece.1953, Division of Metrology Technical Paper - Issues 1-7, page 25:
When the shaft is unsupported, the large torque tends to helix the inner core, and if the casing is not stiff enough, it will helix the casing also.1967, Aviation Week & Space Technology - Volume 87, page 295:

2 more examples

The decrease in d enhances the probability that remaining SDLs will helix, leading to an outward traveling wave of helixing and a jump in 5d.1997, Physical Review: Statistical physics, plasmas, fluids, and related interdisciplinary topics:
Conceptually, this field will helix up from the genital tip, here modelled as the caudal singularity of the left and right domains of the H-CFs.2010, Phillip Beach, Muscles and Meridians E-Book: The Manipulation of Shape, →ISBN, page 95:

Derived terms: self-helixing
Related terms: left-handed, right-handed, spiral