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he·lix (hēlĭks)
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n. pl. he·lix·es or hel·i·ces (hĕlĭ-sēz′, hēlĭ-)
1. Mathematics A three-dimensional curve that lies on a cylinder or cone, so that its angle to a plane perpendicular to the axis is constant.
2. A spiral form or structure.
3. Anatomy The folded rim of skin and cartilage around most of the outer ear.
4. Architecture A volute on a Corinthian or Ionic capital.
v. he·lixed, he·lix·ing, he·lix·es
v.tr.
To move or position (something) into the shape of a helix.
v.intr.
1. To have the shape of a helix.
2. To move along a helical course; spiral.
[Latin, from Greek; see wel-2 in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.]
(click for a larger image)
helix
in a right circular cylinder
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2020 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
 

Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

    Thousands of entries in the dictionary include etymologies that trace their origins back to reconstructed proto-languages. You can obtain more information about these forms in our online appendices:

    Indo-European Roots

    Semitic Roots

    The Indo-European appendix covers nearly half of the Indo-European roots that have left their mark on English words. A more complete treatment of Indo-European roots and the English words derived from them is available in our Dictionary of Indo-European Roots.

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