hélice
/ˈeliθe/feminine
The Spanish word for helix is hélice.
While the English word 'helix' refers to a geometric shape, in Spanish, hélice is the standard word used to mean a propeller, such as those found on a boat or an airplane.
Meaning: curve (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
When forming the plural, las hélices, the word becomes hélices and maintains the accent mark on the first syllable.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈeliθe/
Did you know?
- Spanish uses the word hélice to describe the outer rim of the ear, which is called the 'helix' in English medical terminology.
- The word hélice is borrowed from the Latin helīcem, which comes from the Ancient Greek ἕλῑξ, meaning 'spiral'.
- While an English speaker might say 'the ship's screw', a Spanish speaker will almost always refer to that part as 'la hélice'.
Examples in context
- En biología, el ADN se forma en una hélice doble.In biology, DNA forms a double helix.
- La escalera está diseñada en forma de espiral.The staircase is designed in a spiral shape.
- La estructura tiene una hélice perfecta.The structure has a perfect helix.
- Dibujé una hélice en el cuaderno.I drew a helix in the notebook.
- Esa hélice es muy elegante.That helix is very elegant.
Example conversation
Sofía and Alejandro are looking at a geometric sculpture in a museum.
- SofíaMira la hélice de esa escultura, Alejandro.Look at the helix of that sculpture, Alejandro.
- AlejandroEs impresionante la forma de la hélice.The shape of the helix is impressive.
- SofíaParece una hélice de ADN.It looks like a DNA helix.
- AlejandroTienes razón, Sofía, es muy parecida.You are right, Sofía, it is very similar.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “helix” translations and entries hélice, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hélice, CC BY-SA 4.0.
