helix definition - Dictionary

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helix

he·lix [ hliks ] (plural he·lix·es or hel·i·ces [ hélli sz, hli sz ])

noun

Definition:

1. spiral or coil: something in the form of a spiral or coil, e.g. a corkscrew or a coiled spring

2. mathematics spiral curve: a mathematical curve that lies on a cylinder or cone and makes a constant angle with the straight lines lying in the cylinder or cone

3. anatomy rim of ear: the rim of the external ear

[Mid-16th century. Via Latin< Greek]

Cultural Note


	The Double Helix, a memoir (1968) by James D. Watson. In this personal account of the landmark discovery of the structure of the DNA molecule in 1953, for which Watson later shared a Nobel Prize with Francis Crick and Maurice Wilkins, scientific research is shown to be a competitive race in which ego, politics, and luck play prominent roles. Watson's less than generous treatment of Maurice Wilkins' and Rosalind Franklin's contribution to his work caused much controversy when the book was published.