Meaning & use

helix

noun·Academic

A three-dimensional curve that winds around a central axis at a constant angle, like a spring or spiral staircase.

See it in a sentence

DNA is famous for its double helix shape, with two strands twisting around each other.

The architect designed a helix-shaped ramp so cars could spiral up through the building.

A note on using this word

A helix keeps a constant radius and pitch as it winds, unlike a spiral, which often widens or narrows.

Words with a similar meaning

spiralcoil

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Make it your own

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