helical

[ hel-i-kuhl, hee-li- ]

adjective

1. pertaining to or having the form of a helix; spiral.

helical

/ ˈhɛlɪkəl /

adjective

1. of or shaped like a helix; spiral

Derived Forms

• ˈhelically, adverb

Other Words From

• heli·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of helical¹

First recorded in 1605–15; helic- + -al ¹

Example Sentences

Researchers used the powerful Leonardo supercomputer at CINECA, a supercomputing center in Italy, to create a highly realistic 3D replica of the sponge, containing around 100 billion individual points that recreate the sponge's complex helical ridge structure.

From Science Daily

The asymmetric, helical ridges may even inspire low-drag hulls or fuselages that stay streamlined while promoting interior air flows.

From Science Daily

Helical swimming is nothing new in biology, Sutherland said.

From Science Daily

With Sutherland's new and innovative methods of studying sea creatures, scientists might come to realize that helical swimming is more pervasive than previously thought.

From Science Daily

"The helical twist of these fibers is impossible to discern using an optical microscope, or even some super-resolution microscopes, because these things are just too small," Lew said.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• circling
• coiled