helical

adjective

he·​li·​cal ˈhe-li-kəl How to pronounce helical (audio) ˈhē- How to pronounce helical (audio)
: of, relating to, or having the form of a helix
broadly : spiral sense 1a
helically adverb

Examples of helical in a Sentence

Sirius, the brightest star in the heavens, travels a helical path through space.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Unlike standard laser beams that propagate straight, vortex beams twist along their axis, creating a helical wavefront with a distinct ‘null intensity’ region at the center. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 18 Mar. 2025 These helical stacks are similar to a screw thread. Tejasri Gururaj, Interesting Engineering, 13 Mar. 2025 Both resulted in a clear improvement in the efficiency and stability of the OSC, but the chiral – or helical – structure yielded the best results. Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 6 Mar. 2025 When printed with a helical structure, that number increased to 56 percent higher efficiency and 50 times more stable while the process was also successful for manufacturing. Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 6 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for helical

Word History

First Known Use

1591, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of helical was in 1591

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Cite this Entry

“Helical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/helical. Accessed 18 Apr. 2025.

Medical Definition

helical

adjective
he·​li·​cal ˈhel-i-kəl How to pronounce helical (audio) ˈhē-li- How to pronounce helical (audio)
: of, relating to, or having the form of a helix
the helical configuration of DNA
broadly : spiral sense 1a
helically adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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