helix

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

noun a curve that lies on the surface of a cylinder or cone and cuts the element at a constant angle
noun a structure consisting of something wound in a continuous series of loops
noun type genus of the family Helicidae

From Latin helix, from Ancient Greek ἕλιξ (hélix, “something twisted or spiral”).

His mind seemed to trail out in a great nebular helix behind the descending ship. — Astounding Stories of Super-Science January 1930, Unknown
"There's no telling, but those things on the top of the masts look like revolving helices," replied Redgrave, after a long look through his telescope. — A Honeymoon in Space, George Chetwynd Griffith
From our elevated position we could look down into a sea of bamboo huts, the habitations of the pearl-fishers: neat enough abodes, with courtyards paved with helix shells. — Southern Arabia, J. Theodore (James Theodore) Bent

spiral

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