helix etymology

Etymology:

The word "helix" comes from the Greek word "ἕλιξ" (helix), which means "spiral" or "winding staircase."

Meaning:

In geometry, a helix is a three-dimensional curve that forms a spiral around a central axis. It resembles a corkscrew or a spiral staircase.

Origin:

The word "helix" has been used in mathematics and science for centuries. It was first used by Archimedes in the 3rd century BC to describe the shape of a spiral drawn on a cylinder. Later, the word was adopted by other Greek mathematicians and scientists, such as Euclid and Aristotle, to describe various types of spiral curves.

In modern usage, the term "helix" is most commonly associated with the double helix structure of DNA, which was discovered by James Watson and Francis Crick in 1953. The double helix is a key component of all living organisms, and it plays a crucial role in DNA replication and gene expression.

Additional Information:

  • The plural form of "helix" is "helices."
  • The word "helix" is often used in other fields beyond geometry and science, such as art, architecture, and engineering.
  • The word "helicopter" is derived from "helix" and "pteron" (wing), referring to the spiral motion of its blades.

helix relate terms

  • helical

    Etymology From Ancient Greek helix ἕλιξ meaning spiral coil twist Related

  • helix

    Etymology The word helix comes from the Greek word ἕλιξ helix which means s

  • helicopter

    Etymology The word helicopter is derived from the Greek words helix ἕλιξ mea

  • helix

    Etymology The word helix comes from the Greek word ἕλιξ helix which means s

  • archivolt

    Etymology French archivolte Latin archivolutus past participle of archivolvere to r

  • circumvolve

    Etymology Latin circumvolvere circum around volvere to roll Proto Indo

  • convoluted

    Etymology Convoluted derives from the Latin word convolvere meaning to roll up or

  • convolution

    Etymology Latin convolutio rolling up twisting together Derived from the verb

  • devolve

    Etymology Latin devoluere meaning to roll down or to transfer Meaning To t

  • elytra

    Etymology Latin elytrum sheath or wing case Meaning The hardened forewings

  • evolution

    Etymology of Evolution The word evolution comes from the Latin word evolvere which

  • evolve

    Etymology Middle English evoluen from Latin evolvere to unroll unfold Latin evolve

  • Helicon

    Etymology Greek helikōn spiral Proto Indo European kʷel to turn Meaning

  • helicopter

    Etymology The word helicopter is derived from the Greek words helix ἕλιξ mea

  • helix

    Etymology The word helix comes from the Greek word ἕλιξ helix which means s

  • helminth

    Etymology Helminth is derived from the Greek word helmins meaning intestinal worm

  • lorimer

    Etymology The name Lorimer comes from the Middle English surname Lori m er which origi

  • ileus

    Etymology The word ileus is derived from the Greek word eileós meaning twisting c

  • involve

    Etymology The study of the origin and history of words Meaning The intended or implied

  • revolt

    Etymology The word revolt comes from the Latin word revolvere which means to roll b

  • revolution

    Etymology Latin revolutio a rolling back return revolution re back again

  • revolve

    Etymology From Middle English revolve from Old French revolver from Latin revolvō

  • valve

    Etymology Middle English valve from Old French valve from Latin valva meaning le

  • vault

    Etymology Middle English vaute from Old French veute vault cellar cave from La

  • vault

    Etymology Middle English vaute from Old French veute vault cellar cave from La

  • volte face

    Etymology The phrase volte face is derived from the French expression volter face wh

  • voluble

    Etymology The word voluble comes from the Latin verb volvere meaning to roll or tur

  • volume

    Etymology The word volume is derived from the Latin word volumen meaning a roll or

  • voluminous

    Etymology The word voluminous comes from the Latin word volumen which means scroll

  • volute

    Etymology Latin voluta Greek ἕλιξ helix meaning coil spiral Meaning and O

  • volvox

    Etymology Volvox is derived from volvere to roll Meaning Volvox is a genus of mi

  • volvulus

    Etymology Volvulus is derived from the Latin word volvere meaning to roll to t

  • wale

    Etymology The word wale has multiple etymological origins Old English wæle Mean

  • walk

    Etymology The word walk derives from the Proto Germanic word walkaną meaning to roll

  • wallet

    Etymology The word wallet originates from the Old English word walett which in turn

  • wallow

    Etymology The word wallow has two distinct etymologies one for its main meaning and o

  • waltz

    Etymology Middle French valce German walzen to roll Old High German walzan Meani

  • well

    Etymology The word well comes from the Old English word wiella which is derived from

  • welter

    Etymology The word welter derives from the Middle English term wultren which means

  • whelk

    Etymology Middle English whelke from Old English hwylca Proto Germanic hwalkijǭ

  • willow

    Etymology The English word willow originates from an Old English word welige or wil

  • spiral

    Etymology The word spiral comes from the Greek word σπείρα speira meaning c

  • spiral

    Etymology The word spiral comes from the Greek word σπείρα speira meaning c

  • khan

    Etymology The name Khan is derived from the Mongolian and Turkic word Khagan which m

  • curve

    Etymology The word curve originates from the Latin word curvus which means bent o

  • structure

    Structure Etymology Latin structura meaning a building construction or arrangeme

  • construction

    Etymology The word construction derives from the Latin word construere which means

  • spare

    Etymology The word spare has its origins in the Old English word sparian which means

  • dominion

    Etymology Latin dominium lordship dominion Proto Indo European dem to tame s

  • doctor

    Etymology The word doctor derives from the Latin word docēre meaning to teach M

  • peter

    Etymology and Meaning The name Peter is derived from the Greek word πέτρος pet