Definitions for: Helix


[n] type genus of the family Helicidae
[n] a structure consisting of something wound in a continuous series of loops; "a coil of rope"
[n] a curve that lies on the surface of a cylinder or cone and cuts the element at a constant angle



Webster (1913) Definition: He"lix, n.; pl. L. Helices, E. Helixes. [L. helix,
Gr. ?, ?, fr. ? to turn round; cf. L. volvere, and E. volute,
voluble.]
1. (Geom.) A nonplane curve whose tangents are all equally
inclined to a given plane. The common helix is the curve
formed by the thread of the ordinary screw. It is
distinguished from the spiral, all the convolutions of
which are in the plane.

2. (Arch.) A caulicule or little volute under the abacus of
the Corinthian capital.

3. (Anat.) The incurved margin or rim of the external ear.
See Illust. of Ear.

4. (Zo["o]l.) A genus of land snails, including a large
number of species.

Note: The genus originally included nearly all shells, but is
now greatly restricted. See Snail, Pulmonifera.

Synonyms: coil, genus Helix, spiral, spiral, volute, whorl

See Also: brown snail, construction, curve, curved shape, edible snail, family Helicidae, garden snail, hank, Helicidae, Helix aspersa, Helix hortensis, Helix pomatia, mollusk genus, structure

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