helices

[ hel-uh-seez ]
/ ˈhɛl əˌsiz /

noun

a plural of helix.

Definition for helices (2 of 3)

helix
[ hee-liks ]
/ ˈhi lɪks /

noun, plural hel·i·ces [hel-uh-seez] /ˈhɛl əˌsiz/, he·lix·es.

a spiral.
Geometry. the curve formed by a straight line drawn on a plane when that plane is wrapped around a cylindrical surface of any kind, especially a right circular cylinder, as the curve of a screw. Equation: x = a sinθ, y = a cosθ, z = b θ.
Architecture.
  1. a spiral ornament.
  2. (in a Corinthian capital) either of two scrolls issuing from a cauliculus.Compare Corinthian(def 2).
Anatomy. the curved fold forming most of the rim of the external ear.
Biochemistry. alpha helix.

Origin of helix

1555–65; < Latin: a spiral, a kind of ivy < Greek hélix anything twisted; compare helíssein to turn, twist, roll

Definition for helices (3 of 3)

Corinthian
[ kuh-rin-thee-uh n ]
/ kəˈrɪn θi ən /

adjective

noun

Origin of Corinthian

1350–1400; Middle English Corinthi(es) men of Corinth (< Latin Corinthiī < Greek Korínthioi; see Corinth) + -an

Example sentences from the Web for helices

British Dictionary definitions for helices (1 of 3)

helices
/ (ˈhɛlɪˌsiːz) /

noun

a plural of helix

British Dictionary definitions for helices (2 of 3)

Corinthian
/ (kəˈrɪnθɪən) /

adjective

of, characteristic of, or relating to Corinth
of, denoting, or relating to one of the five classical orders of architecture: characterized by a bell-shaped capital having carved ornaments based on acanthus leaves See also Ionic, Doric, composite (def. 4), Tuscan
given to luxury; dissolute
ornate and elaborate

noun

British Dictionary definitions for helices (3 of 3)

helix
/ (ˈhiːlɪks) /

noun plural helices (ˈhɛlɪˌsiːz) or helixes

a curve that lies on a cylinder or cone, at a constant angle to the line segments making up the surface; spiral
a spiral shape or form
the incurving fold that forms the margin of the external ear
another name for volute (def. 2)
any terrestrial gastropod mollusc of the genus Helix, which includes the garden snail (H. aspersa)

Word Origin for helix

C16: from Latin, from Greek: spiral; probably related to Greek helissein to twist

Medical definitions for helices

helix
[ hēlĭks ]

n. pl. he•lix•es

A spiral form or structure.
The folded rim of skin and cartilage around most of the outer ear.
A three-dimensional curve that lies on a cylinder or cone, so that its angle to a plane perpendicular to the axis is constant.

Scientific definitions for helices

helix
[ hēlĭks ]

A three-dimensional spiral curve. In mathematical terms, a helix can be described as a curve turning about an axis on the surface of a cylinder or cone while rising at a constant upward angle from a base.
Something, such as a strand of DNA, having a spiral shape.

Cultural definitions for helices (1 of 2)

Corinthian
[ (kuh-rin-thee-uhn) ]

One of the three main styles of Greek architecture (the others are Doric and Ionic). The Corinthian column is slender and fluted; the capital incorporates sculpted leaves.

Cultural definitions for helices (2 of 2)

helix
[ (hee-liks) ]

In geometry, a three-dimensional spiral shape, resembling a spring.