Helicity
/hɪˈlɪsəti/noun
A property describing the handedness, chirality, or alignment of a rotating or flowing system.
Did you know?In mathematical physics, helicity can measure how strongly vortex lines are linked or knotted, and Lord Kelvin connected it with the persistence of structures in ideal fluids.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*wel-
“To turn, roll, or revolve; a proposed ancestral root associated with circular motion.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
ἕλιξ (helix)
“A spiral, coil, or anything twisted around; also used for a winding form.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
ἑλικοειδής (helikoeidēs)
“Spiral-shaped or resembling a helix.”
Late Latin
Latin
helicitas
“A noun formed from the Greek-derived helix family, expressing a spiral or twisting quality.”
19th Century
English
helicity
“A technical term for the quality or condition of being helical; later specialized in fluid dynamics and physics.”
Modern English
English
helicity
“The handedness or twist-related quantity of a field, particle, flow, or geometric structure.”
Explore more surprising origins