helix

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a three-dimensional curve that winds around an axis at a constant slope, as in a screw or spiral staircase

   The wire formed a tight helix around the central rod.

2. 2
   noun

   the curved outer rim of the visible external ear

   A small notch interrupted the helix of his left ear.

3. 3
   noun

   any structure whose parts wind in a spiral around an axis

   Each protein helix was stabilized by bonds along the chain.

Borrowed through Latin helix from Greek helix, 'something twisted or spiral,' related to helissein, 'to turn or wind.' Anatomy applied the shape word to the curved rim of the outer ear, while mathematics and science retained the geometric sense.

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