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helix

helix

11 6.0
A spiral shape that winds around like a spring or staircase
  • noun
  • /ˈhiːlɪks/
translation icon : hélice
  • Two years later, the STM generated the first images of the DNA molecule and its double helix.
  • a double helix
  • DNA helix
  • a triple helix

Yeah, I mean, it's reflected in the in the the spiral Helix of DNA.

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Examples

  • And the chromosome of course is a double Helix for the DNA.

  • 1953, Watson and Crick find the double helix.

  • You see, it all works together in a double helix.

  • Yeah, I mean, it's reflected in the in the the spiral Helix of DNA.

  • Everyone is familiar with the famous double-helix shape of DNA that makes it look like a twisted ladder.

    Academic text (2010)
  • One comes across many instances where people want an alpha helix, or a 3/10 helix, or a gamma turn.

    Blog text (24)
  • The opening of the exhibit coincides with the 50th anniversary of the modeling of the DNA double helix structure.

    Academic text (2003)
  • The famous double helix structure of DNA resembles a twisted ladder.

  • In biology class, we learned that DNA has a double helix shape that is crucial for its function.

  • The design of the staircase features a beautiful spiral helix that adds elegance to the building.

Synonyms

spiral
vshelix
38 3.5

A curved shape that winds around a center and moves outward or inward

goes around a straight axis in three dimensions rather than expanding outward
coil
vshelix
20 3.7

A length of wire or rope wound in loops

is a geometric three dimensional curve around an axis rather than wound material
scroll
vshelix
6 4.8

A spiral or curled shape often used as a decoration

is a three dimensional curve around an axis rather than a flat decorative curl
whorl
vshelix
5 8.1

A spiral pattern seen in hair, leaves or smoke

is a continuous three dimensional curve around an axis rather than an arranged pattern
winding
vshelix
2 3.1

A curved part of a road or river

is a regular three dimensional curve around a fixed axis not a general bend
volute
vshelix
  • Specialized
9.4

A spiral or coil shape found in shells, machines, and buildings

is a three dimensional curve around an axis rather than a decorative motif

Compounds

double helix
  • Specialized
5 4.4

A structure made of two spirals twisted together, like DNA molecules

genus Helix
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of land snails that includes the common edible snail

Hedera helix
  • Specialized
8.0

A climbing evergreen plant with shiny dark green leaves that often covers walls and ground

helix angle
  • Specialized
7.9

The angle between a spiral line and a line along the center of a cylinder or cone

Helix aspersa
  • Specialized
7.9

A small brown garden snail that eats plants and can damage gardens

Helix hortensis
  • Specialized
9.9

A small garden snail from western Europe with a banded shell

Helix pomatia
  • Specialized
8.4

A large land snail that people eat and that chefs use in French dishes

How Tight

helix
11 6.0
spring
67 3.7
to coil
7 3.8
spiral
38 3.5

Surface Forms

helix singular
helices plural

Etymology

Helix comes from a Greek word helix meaning 'twisted' or 'spiral'. You can see the same root in helicopter, whose blades move in a spiral, so a helix is a spiral or coil like the shape of DNA or a twisted staircase.