Hē´lix, n. pl.

(Synop., § 130), n. pl. HĒL'I-CĒS. [Lat. helix, Fr. hélice, Gr. ἕλιξ, twisted, spiral, from ἑλίσσειν, to turn round.]

1. A spiral line, as of wire in a coil; a circumvolution; a winding, or something that is spiral.
2. (Arch.) A caulicule or little volute under the flowers of the Corinthian capital.
3. (Anat.) The whole circuit or extent of the auricle, or external border of the ear. Brande.
4. (Zoöl.) The snail-shell.