How to pronounce helix
Say it like HEE-liks. Helix has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (HEE).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce helix. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- HEE
- liks
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Helix pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- HEESay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- liksKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of helix
American and British speakers say helix in essentially the same way: /ˈhilɪks/ in the US and /ˈhiːlɪks/ in the UK.
British respelling: HEE-liks.
What does helix mean?
- A curve on the surface of a cylinder or cone such that its angle to a plane perpendicular to the axis is constant; the three-dimensional curve seen in a screw or a spiral staircase.
- A small volute under the abacus of a Corinthian capital.
- The incurved rim of the external ear.“helix piercing”
- To form or cause to form a helix.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying helix
How do you pronounce helix?
Say HEE-liks. The American pronunciation is /ˈhilɪks/. In British English it is /ˈhiːlɪks/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in helix?
Helix has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (HEE). Broken into parts: HEE · liks.
Do Americans and Brits say helix the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈhilɪks/ and the British form is /ˈhiːlɪks/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.