Helicoid
/ˈhɛlɪkɔɪd/noun
A surface or form resembling a helix or generated by a line rotating around an axis while advancing along it.
Did you know?In differential geometry, the helicoid is a minimal surface, meaning its shape locally minimizes area—alongside the catenoid, it is one of the only two such surfaces that can be smoothly transformed into each other.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*wel-
“To turn, twist, or roll; a reconstructed root associated with circular motion.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
ἕλιξ (helix)
“A spiral, coil, or winding object.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
εἶδος (eidos)
“Form, shape, or appearance; the source of the suffix -oid.”
17th Century
New Latin
helicoides
“Helix-like or spiral-shaped; a scientific formation combining helix with -oidēs.”
19th Century
English
helicoid
“A spiral-shaped surface or object, especially in geometry.”
Modern English
English
helicoid
“A helix-like form, particularly a mathematical surface produced by rotating and advancing a line.”