Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Helix
He′lix
,Noun.
pl. L.
Helices
(#)
, E. Helixes
(#)
. [L.
helix
, Gr. [GREEK], [GREEK], fr. [GREEK] 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.
4.
(Zool.)
A genus of land snails, including a large number of species.
☞ The genus originally included nearly all shells, but is now greatly restricted. See
Snail
, Pulmonifera
. Webster 1828 Edition
Helix
HE'LIX
,Noun.
1.
In zoology, the snail-shell.