Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
genus Helix

genus Helix

9.9
A group of land snails that includes the common edible snail
  • noun
  • /ˈdʒɛnəs ˈhɛlɪks/
  • Specialized
translation icon : género Helix
  • The genus Helix includes the well-known edible snail Helix pomatia.

Examples

  • The common garden snail belongs to the genus Helix, which is known for its distinct coiled shell.

  • The genus Helix includes many species of land snails.

  • Many species in the genus Helix are native to Europe and parts of Asia.

  • The genus Helix has been studied extensively for its adaptation to terrestrial environments.

  • Did you know that genus Helix contains the common edible snail?

  • The genus Helix includes many fascinating species of land snails found in gardens.

  • In biology, the genus Helix comprises various species of terrestrial snails that are often studied.

Synonyms

Helix
vsgenus Helix
  • Specialized
1 8.1

A group of land snails that includes the edible garden snail

is the formally designated reference group for the family in taxonomy

Surface Forms

genus Helix singular
genera Helix plural

Morphology

genus + Helix

The phrase simply combines the noun 'genus' (a biological rank) with the proper name 'Helix' (the genus of certain snails), so its meaning — the taxonomic genus named Helix — is directly derivable from the constituents. This compositional, referential pattern is common in scientific nomenclature and across languages, making it immediately understandable to learners who know both words.

Etymology

Genus Helix comes from an old Greek word helix meaning 'spiral' or 'coil'. It refers to the snails' coiled shells, so the name is used for this group of land snails.