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Definition of helical

helical

/ˈhɛlɪkəl/
hel · i · cal
Adverb:helically
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helical Lexical Profile

helical Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Having the three-dimensional form or shape of a helix; winding around a central axis like a corkscrew, coil, or screw thread.

Example

"DNA molecules are famous for their double-stranded helical structure, which allows genetic information to be tightly packed inside the cell nucleus."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for helical
Antonyms
View all antonyms for helical

Word Nuance & Usage

While often used interchangeably in casual speech, 'helical' technically describes a three-dimensional curve that winds around a cylinder or cone at a constant radius (like a screw thread or a spring), whereas 'spiral' strictly refers to a curve that winds outward from a central point with an increasing radius.

• Rhymes for helical

• Nearby Words

helenium
helianthemum
helianthus
helical
helichrysum
heliconia
helicopter

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'helix' and Ancient Greek 'hélix' (meaning 'twisted, curved, or spiral thing'), combined with the English adjectival suffix '-al'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Helical. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/helical
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