Definition

The property of having a spiral or twisted shape, often used in physics to describe the spin of particles.

Example

The helicity of the particle was measured during the experiment.

Conversation

I was reading about helicity in my physics class today.

Oh really? What does it refer to?

It’s about the quality of being helical, like how particles spin.

That sounds interesting! I never thought about it that way.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Helicity is formed from "helix" (from Greek "helix", meaning spiral or coil) and the suffix "-ity" (meaning the state or condition of). The word refers to the state or condition of being spiral or coiled.

Memory Tip

Think of a spiral shape ('helix') to remember that 'helicity' describes the state of being spiral or coiled.

Visually Confused Words