Ellipse vs. Helix

Ellipsenoun

(geometry) A closed curve, the locus of a point such that the sum of the distances from that point to two other fixed points (called the foci of the ellipse) is constant; equivalently, the conic section that is the intersection of a cone with a plane that does not intersect the base of the cone.

Ellipseverb

(grammar) To remove from a phrase a word which is grammatically needed, but which is clearly understood without having to be stated.

Ellipsenoun

An oval or oblong figure, bounded by a regular curve, which corresponds to an oblique projection of a circle, or an oblique section of a cone through its opposite sides. The greatest diameter of the ellipse is the major axis, and the least diameter is the minor axis. See Conic section, under Conic, and cf. Focus.

Ellipsenoun

Omission. See Ellipsis.

Ellipsenoun

The elliptical orbit of a planet.

Ellipsenoun

a closed plane curve resulting from the intersection of a circular cone and a plane cutting completely through it;

Ellipse

In mathematics, an ellipse is a plane curve surrounding two focal points, such that for all points on the curve, the sum of the two distances to the focal points is a constant. As such, it generalizes a circle, which is the special type of ellipse in which the two focal points are the same.

Helixnoun

(mathematics) 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.

Helixnoun

(architecture) A small volute under the abacus of a Corinthian capital.

Helixnoun

(anatomy) The incurved rim of the external ear.

Helixnoun

An upside down midair 360° spin in playboating.

Helixverb

To form or cause to form a helix.

Helixnoun

A nonplane curve whose tangents are all equally inclined to a given plane. The common helix is the curve formed by the thread of the ordinary screw. It is distinguished from the spiral, all the convolutions of which are in the plane.

Helixnoun

A caulicule or little volute under the abacus of the Corinthian capital.

Helixnoun

The incurved margin or rim of the external ear. See Illust. of Ear.

Helixnoun

A genus of land snails, including a large number of species.

Helixnoun

a curve that lies on the surface of a cylinder or cone and cuts the element at a constant angle

Helixnoun

a structure consisting of something wound in a continuous series of loops;

Helixnoun

type genus of the family Helicidae

Helix

A helix (), plural helixes or helices (), is a shape like a corkscrew or spiral staircase. It is a type of smooth space curve with tangent lines at a constant angle to a fixed axis.