helix
NounOpen English WordNet
Noun (3)helices, helixes
- type genus of the family HelicidaeSynonyms: genus HelixType of mollusk genusMember of Helicidae, family HelicidaeMembers Helix hortensis, edible snail, garden snail, brown snail
- a curve that lies on the surface of a cylinder or cone and cuts the element at a constant angleSynonyms: spiralType of curve, curved shapeKinds double helix
- a structure consisting of something wound in a continuous series of loops“a coil of rope”Synonyms: coilspiralvolutewhorlType of structure, constructionKinds buntline coil, hank
What does it mean? Question 1 of today’s quiz
Webster's Dictionary (1913)
Origin: L. helix, Gr. …, …, fr. … to turn round; cf. L. volvere, and E. volute, voluble.
1. Geometry A nonplane curve whose tangents are all equally inclined to a given plane. The common helix is the curve formed by the thread of the ordinary screw. It is distinguished from the spiral, all the convolutions of which are in the plane.
2. Architecture A caulicule or little volute under the abacus of the Corinthian capital.
3. Anatomy The incurved margin or rim of the external ear. See Illust. of Ear.
4. Zoology A genus of land snails, including a large number of species.
☞ The genus originally included nearly all shells, but is now greatly restricted. See Snail, Pulmonifera.
Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), from GCIDE 0.54
Free On-line Dictionary of Computing
A hardware description language from Silvar-Lisco.