noun
helix
HEE-lihks
noun
1
A three-dimensional spiral curve, like the shape of a screw thread or a spiral staircase.
"DNA is famously shaped like a double helix."
"The staircase wound upward in a tight helix."
2
The curved outer rim of the ear.
"The piercing was placed on the helix of her ear."
How to Use Helix
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA spiral, coil-like shape — most famously the twisted-ladder shape of DNA.
Common pairings
double helix
helix shape
helix piercing
Word Forms
helixed past tense, helixes plural, helices plural, helixes singular
Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “helix”
A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage
→
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
DNA is famously shaped like a double _____.
Etymology
From Greek helix, meaning "something twisted or spiral."