# helix

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈhiːlɪks/ · frequency rank #20,662

## Definitions
1. A curve on the surface of a cylinder or cone such that its angle to a plane perpendicular to the axis is constant; the three-dimensional curve seen in a screw or a spiral staircase.
2. A small volute under the abacus of a Corinthian capital.
3. The incurved rim of the external ear.
4. An upside down midair 360° spin in playboating.

## Etymology
From Latin helix, from Ancient Greek ἕλιξ (hélix, “something twisted or spiral”).

## Easily confused with
- **help** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/helix-vs-help)
- **hell** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/helix-vs-hell)
- **helm** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/helix-vs-helm)
- **Holi** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/helix-vs-holi)
- **helps** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/helix-vs-helps)
- **hello** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/helix-vs-hello)
- **hella** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/helix-vs-hella)
- **hells** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/helix-vs-hells)
- **helms** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/helix-vs-helms)
- **Hel** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/hel-vs-helix)
- **held** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/held-vs-helix)
- **heir** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/heir-vs-helix)
- **heil** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/heil-vs-helix)
- **Hein** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/hein-vs-helix)
- **heli** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/heli-vs-helix)
- **Helen** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/helen-vs-helix)
- **Helga** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/helga-vs-helix)
- **helium** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/helium-vs-helix)
- **Helios** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/helios-vs-helix)

## Common misspellings (7)
`ehlix`, `heilx`, `helixx`, `hellix`, `helxi`, `hhelix`, `hleix`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/helix