Meaning & use
anti-helix
Last updated
Meaning
nouncountabletechnicalspecialist
The curved ridge of cartilage inside the outer ear that runs parallel to the outer rim.
Grammar: Countable: you can say 'an anti-helix' or 'the anti-helix'.
Patterns
- the anti-helix
- a prominent anti-helix
The piercer explained that the anti-helix is the ridge just inside the rim of the ear.
In some people the anti-helix is more pronounced, creating a deeper fold.
The diagram labels the outer rim as the helix and the inner ridge as the anti-helix.
Word forms
| plural | anti-helices |
|---|
Common combinations
- prominent anti-helix
- A prominent anti-helix can make the ear look more folded.
- pierce the anti-helix
- She decided to pierce the anti-helix rather than the lobe.
- anti-helix piercing
- An anti-helix piercing goes through the inner cartilage ridge.
Synonyms and how they differ
- inner ridge
- A plain English description; it is not a technical term but is easier for non-specialists.
Word family
- helix noun
- The outer rim of the ear; also a spiral shape.
Commonly confused: anti-helix or helix?
anti-helix vs helix
The helix is the outer rim of the ear, while the anti-helix is the inner ridge.
Practice
Where is the anti-helix located?
Choose one answer.
The anti-helix is the curved ridge inside the outer ear, parallel to the rim. The outer rim itself is the helix, so option 0 is wrong.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “anti-helix”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.