as in spiral
turning around an axis like the thread of a screw
Sirius, the brightest star in the heavens, travels a helical path through space
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Recent Examples of helical
Closer to the galaxy's core, the jet takes on a helical form.
—
Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 2 Oct. 2025
Power is sent through a 6-speed short-throw manual transmission to the front wheels through a helical limited-slip differential.
—Michael Harley, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Bless Volkswagen for keeping the helical gears turning, both literally and figuratively.
—ArsTechnica, 27 Aug. 2025
The magnetic field might be shaped like a spiral (called helical) or doughnut shaped (called toroidal).
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 13 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for helical
Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 2 Oct. 2025
Power is sent through a 6-speed short-throw manual transmission to the front wheels through a helical limited-slip differential.
—Michael Harley, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Bless Volkswagen for keeping the helical gears turning, both literally and figuratively.
—ArsTechnica, 27 Aug. 2025
The magnetic field might be shaped like a spiral (called helical) or doughnut shaped (called toroidal).
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 13 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for helical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for helical
Adjective
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The film is set in Mumbai and built around a miserly protagonist whose circumstances spiral into escalating absurdity.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
21 Apr. 2026
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The signature spiral silhouette for the ring captures the idea of infinite motion within a sculptural form.—
Fairchild Studio,
Footwear News,
20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Even the entrance is enveloping—a winding, sheltered, dark wooden path that smells like intense relaxation and essential oils.—
Morgan Fargo,
Vogue,
23 Apr. 2026
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Climb the 199 winding steps to the top, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the Delaware Bay, the Atlantic Ocean, and Cape May Point State Park.—
Carlianne Brennan,
Travel + Leisure,
17 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Helical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/helical. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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