Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
helically

helically

7.9
In a spiral way like a twisted coil
  • adverb
  • /hɪˈlɪkəli/
translation icon : helicoidalmente
  • The stairway spiraled helically upward, making it easy to admire the intricate ceiling designs.

Examples

  • The DNA molecule is structured helically, allowing it to store genetic information efficiently.

  • A child's finger cuff toy, which is designed to trap a person's fingers in both ends of a helically woven cylinder, has an analogous action.

    Blog text (1)

  • The Abbe and Claude gripped their pears in hand and removed the skins helically, bringing their knives across the surface of the fruit with great concentration, in the manner of Gabriel Metu's The Apple-Peeler.

    Fiction book (1992)

  • As the climber ascended the mountain, the path twisted helically around the rocks, offering stunning views.

Synonyms

spirally
vshelically
6.6

In a curved way that goes around a center

is more specific, referring to the shape of a helix
curlingly
vshelically
7.9

In a twisting way that makes soft curves

is focused on following a helix shape rather than loose twisting loops

Antonyms

straight
∞ 1.0

In a direct line without turning

Surface Forms

helically positive

Morphology

helically = helical (transparent) = helix + al + ly

Formed by adding the regular adverbial suffix '-ly' to the adjective 'helical'.

Etymology

The word helically comes from an old Greek word helix, meaning 'twisted' or 'spiral', and the same root is in helicopter, which has turning blades. So, helically means 'in a spiral way', like a spiral staircase or the DNA helix.