entry
helical
/ˈhɛlɪkəl/Having the shape or form of a spiral
From Latin, from Ancient Greek helic- (Spiral).
from Latin helicem (nominative helix) "spiral" (see helix) + -al (1).
Word Ancestry
from Latin helicem (nominative helix) "spiral" (see helix) + -al (1).
Picture a spiral staircase winding up a tower: that shape is the heart of helical. The word was recorded around 1600, built from Latin helicem, the form of helix, and the adjective-making ending -al. The Latin word leads back to Greek ἕλιξ (hélix), meaning a spiral—a twist that also appears in familiar scientific language such as “helix.” Add -al, and the word describes something with that coiling form. A helix names the twist; helical lets the twist describe the staircase, spring, or molecule.
The Story
Picture a spiral staircase winding up a tower: that shape is the heart of helical. The word was recorded around 1600, built from Latin helicem, the form of helix, and the adjective-making ending -al. The Latin word leads back to Greek ἕλιξ (hélix), meaning a spiral—a twist that also appears in familiar scientific language such as “helix.” Add -al, and the word describes something with that coiling form. A helix names the twist; helical lets the twist describe the staircase, spring, or molecule.
Kin & Kindred
From 'helic-'·Spiral; twisted shape
Derived Terms
English words from this root
From '-al'·Of or relating to
Derived Terms
English words from this root