helicoid

American  

[hel-i-koid, hee-li-] / ˈhɛl ɪˌkɔɪd, ˈhi lɪ- /

adjective

1. coiled or curving like a spiral.

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noun

1. Geometry. a warped surface generated by a straight line moving so as to cut or touch a fixed helix.

helicoid British  

/ ˈhɛlɪˌkɔɪd /

adjective

1. biology shaped like a spiral

   a helicoid shell

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noun

1. geometry any surface resembling that of a screw thread

helicoid Scientific  

/ hĕl′ĭ-koid′,hē′lĭ- /

1. Arranged in or having the approximate shape of a flattened coil or spiral curve.

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1. A surface in the form of a coil or screw. A helicoid is generated mathematically by rotating a plane or twisted curve about an axis at a fixed rate and simultaneously translating it in the direction of the line of axis, also at a fixed rate.

Other Word Forms

• helicoidal adjective
• helicoidally adverb

Etymology

Origin of helicoid

First recorded in 1690–1700, helicoid is from the Greek word helikoeidḗs of spiral form. See helic-, -oid

Example Sentences

Architect Jorge Romero Guti�rrez, 36, calls his project "the helicoid," or spiral.

From Time Magazine Archive

In the two years that construction has been under way, Romero has spent $16.5 million, and last week the helicoid was 60% finished.

From Time Magazine Archive

Traffic will enter the helicoid from Caracas' main north-south street, and spiral up the ramp past shops selling everything from groceries to jewelry.

From Time Magazine Archive

The uniparous cyme presents two forms, the scorpioid or cicinal and the helicoid or bostrychoid.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 10, Slice 5 "Fleury, Claude" to "Foraker" by Various

Related Words

• circling
• coiled