helix

/ˈhiːlɪks/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈhiːlɪks/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈhē-liks/ (ame, mw)

helix — noun

  • helixsingular
  • helicesplural

1. A three-dimensional curve that winds around a central line or surface, with each

1.名詞B2
釋義

A three-dimensional curve that winds around a central line or surface, with each point staying at the same distance from the centre — seen in shapes such as springs, spiral staircases, and the DNA molecule.

例句

The DNA molecule has the shape of a double helix.

collocation: double helix

Sana drew a helix to show how the staircase twisted around a central pillar.

同義詞
  • spiral

    Used loosely for helix in everyday speech, though a spiral is technically a flat curve that grows outward from a centre point.

  • coil

    Emphasises the circular wound shape; more concrete and common for everyday objects like ropes or wires.

  • corkscrew

    Describes a tight, tapering helix; more informal and visual, often referring to a bottle-opening tool.

文法句型

a [adjective] helix

helix of [noun]

用法筆記

In everyday language, helix and spiral are sometimes used to mean the same thing, but strictly speaking a helix is three-dimensional while a spiral lies in a single plane.

常見錯誤

❌The snail shell has a helix shape.
✅The snail shell has a spiral shape.
💡Snail shells expand outward in a flat curve (a spiral), not around a fixed central axis (a helix).

2. The curved ridge of cartilage that forms the outer rim of the human ear.

2.名詞C1
釋義

The curved ridge of cartilage that forms the outer rim of the human ear.

例句

The doctor gently examined the helix of Noor's ear during the check-up.

anatomical usage: helix of [possessive] ear

The helix of Antonia's left ear was red and slightly swollen after she slept on it.

同義詞
  • ear rim

    Everyday equivalent for the anatomical term helix; less precise but more widely understood.

文法句型

the helix of [possessive] ear

[possessive] helix

用法筆記

This is a specialist anatomical term. In everyday conversation, speakers usually say 'the outer rim of the ear' rather than using the word helix.

常見錯誤

❌The helix is the soft part at the bottom of the ear.
✅The helix is the curved rim at the top of the outer ear.
💡The soft lower part is the earlobe; the helix is the cartilaginous upper rim.