helix

n. spiral, coil; object shaped like a spiral

A helix (pl: helices), from the Greek word έλικας/έλιξ, is a twisted shape like a spring, screw or a spiral (correctly termed helical) staircase. Helices are important in biology, as DNA is helical and many proteins have helical substructures, known as alpha helices.Helices can be either right-handed or left-handed. With the line of sight being the helical axis, if clockwise movement of the helix corresponds to axial movement away from the observer, then it is a right-handed helix. If counter-clockwise movement corresponds to axial movement away from the observer, it is a left-handed helix. Handedness (or chirality) is a property of the helix, not of the perspective: a right-handed helix cannot be turned or flipped to look like a left-handed one unless it is viewed through a mirror, and vice versa.
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Noun
1. type genus of the family Helicidae
(synonym) genus Helix
(hypernym) mollusk genus
(member-holonym) Helicidae, family Helicidae
(member-meronym) edible snail, Helix pomatia

Noun
1. a curve that lies on the surface of a cylinder or cone and cuts the element at a constant angle
(synonym) spiral
(hypernym) curve, curved shape
(hyponym) double helix
2. a structure consisting of something wound in a continuous series of loops; "a coil of rope"
(synonym) coil, spiral, volute, whorl
(hypernym) structure, construction
(hyponym) hank

n. helix, spiral, coil; object shaped like a spiral

n. helix, spiral