helix

noun

1. a curve that lies on the surface of a cylinder or cone and cuts the element at a constant angle

   noun.shape

   Synonyms spiral

   Source: WordNet 3.0

2. a structure consisting of something wound in a continuous series of loops

   noun.artifact

   Synonyms coil spiral volute whorl

   Source: WordNet 3.0

3. type genus of the family Helicidae

   noun.animal

   Synonyms genus helix

   Source: WordNet 3.0

4. 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 <i>spiral</i>, all the convolutions of which are in the plane.

   noun

   Source: webster1913