helix
UK[ˈhiːlɪks]US[ˈhiːlɪks]
n
a shape like a spiral or a line that curves around a central point, either flat (like a watch spring) or three-dimensional (like a corkscrew).
n
(in anatomy and biology) the structure of something that has this shape, especially the double-stranded structure of a dna molecule.
Morpheme Breakdown
helic
x
helic
spiral
x
noun suffix
Etymology
the word helix entered english in the 16th century, borrowed directly from latin 'helix', which itself originated from the greek word 'ἕλιξ' (helix), meaning 'spiral' or 'twisted thing'. the greek term is likely derived from the proto-indo-european root wel-, meaning 'to turn' or 'to wind', a root that also gave rise to words like 'voluble' and 'involve'. the semantic journey is direct and logical: from the ancient concept of winding or turning, the term evolved to describe any spiral form, and in modern science, it precisely denotes the crucial coiled structure of molecules like dna.
Analysis
Structure: helic (spiral) + x (noun suffix)
- helic: from greek 'helix' (genitive 'helikos') meaning 'spiral' or 'something twisted'.
- x: a common ending in english for nouns borrowed directly from greek or latin, often indicating the singular form.
Examples
the staircase was built in the form of a double helix.
the dna molecule has the famous structure of a double helix.
a helix is a common shape found in nature, from seashells to galaxies.