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helix

Browse the Dictionary:: A; B; C; D; E; F; G; H; I; J; K; L; M; N; O; P; Q; R; S; T; U; V; W; X; Y; Z; #

helix

Main Entry:: he·lix
Pronunciation:: \ˈhē-liks\
Function:: noun
Inflected Form(s):: plural he·li·ces \ˈhe-lə-ˌsēz, ˈhē-\ also he·lix·es \ˈhē-lik-səz\
Etymology:: Latin, from Greek; akin to Greek eilyein to roll, wrap — more at voluble
Date:: 1563

1: something spiral in form: as a: an ornamental volute b: a coil formed by winding wire around a uniform tube 2: the incurved rim of the external ear3: a curve traced on a cylinder or cone by the rotation of a point crossing its right sections at a constant oblique angle ; broadly : spiral 1b

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