helical

adjective

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

Synonyms of helical

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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.
So what to us may look like a distinctive left-twisting helical structure is actually the result of these two layers of fibrils oriented in opposite directions. — New Atlas, 18 Aug. 2026 One question is whether the helical structure is also present at the micro- and nanoscale. — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 18 Aug. 2026 Archimedes’ screw Traditionally associated with Archimedes and dated to around the third century BCE, this machine moves water through a rotating helical surface enclosed inside a cylinder. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 16 Aug. 2026 On a pedestal at the foot of an impressive cantilevered helical staircase stands the ornate Taca de Portugal. — James Horncastle, New York Times, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for helical

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin helicālis, from Latin helic-, helix "spiral, helix" + -ālis -al entry 1

First Known Use

1591, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of helical was in 1591

Rhymes for helical

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Browse Nearby Words

helic-
helical
helical gear
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Cite this Entry

“Helical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/helical. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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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
-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce helical (audio)
adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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