helix

Etymology

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

noun

1. (mathematics) A curve on the surface of a cylinder or cone such that its angle to a plane perpendicular to the axis is constant; the three-dimensional curve seen in a screw or a spiral staircase.
2. (architecture) A small volute under the abacus of a Corinthian capital.
3. (anatomy) The incurved rim of the external ear.
   helix piercing
4. An upside down midair 360° spin in playboating.

verb

1. To form or cause to form a helix.
   A large positive inclination gives a chip which will helix out of the space between the face mill and the workpiece. 1953, Division of Metrology Technical Paper - Issues 1-7, page 25
   When the shaft is unsupported, the large torque tends to helix the inner core, and if the casing is not stiff enough, it will helix the casing also. 1967, Aviation Week & Space Technology - Volume 87, page 295
   The decrease in d enhances the probability that remaining SDLs will helix, leading to an outward traveling wave of helixing and a jump in 5d. 1997, Physical Review: Statistical physics, plasmas, fluids, and related interdisciplinary topics
   Conceptually, this field will helix up from the genital tip, here modelled as the caudal singularity of the left and right domains of the H-CFs. 2010, Phillip Beach, Muscles and Meridians E-Book: The Manipulation of Shape, page 95