double helix
noun
: a helix or spiral consisting of two strands in the surface of a cylinder that coil around its axis
especially
: the structural arrangement of DNA in space that consists of paired polynucleotide strands stabilized by cross-links between purine and pyrimidine bases compare alpha-helix, watson-crick model
Examples of double helix in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The track is packed with thrills, featuring three 360-degree spirals, an 80-foot double helix, two uphill stretches, and a mid-race bridge that offers the perfect chance to size up your opponent and take in the views.
—
Jacqueline Dole, Travel + Leisure, 18 Sep. 2025
The twisting, swooping swirl of metal, glass, and wood rises from the ground floor of the century-old warehouse, climbs to the second story, then bursts through the roof, elevating visitors over Rotterdam’s historic harbor in a double helix that does double duty as both staircase and artwork.
—Julie Belcove, Robb Report, 27 July 2025
On the banks of Europe’s largest port—and at the former site of the continent’s first Chinatown—a gleaming double helix coils above a former warehouse in Rotterdam’s Katendrecht district.
—Maridel Reyes, Vogue, 24 July 2025
One of these is based on the CRISPR/Cas9, which makes a break in both strands of DNA's double helix at a specific sequence that matches what's called a guide RNA.
—John Timmer, Ars Technica, 4 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for double helix
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Jacqueline Dole, Travel + Leisure, 18 Sep. 2025
The twisting, swooping swirl of metal, glass, and wood rises from the ground floor of the century-old warehouse, climbs to the second story, then bursts through the roof, elevating visitors over Rotterdam’s historic harbor in a double helix that does double duty as both staircase and artwork.
—Julie Belcove, Robb Report, 27 July 2025
On the banks of Europe’s largest port—and at the former site of the continent’s first Chinatown—a gleaming double helix coils above a former warehouse in Rotterdam’s Katendrecht district.
—Maridel Reyes, Vogue, 24 July 2025
One of these is based on the CRISPR/Cas9, which makes a break in both strands of DNA's double helix at a specific sequence that matches what's called a guide RNA.
—John Timmer, Ars Technica, 4 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for double helix
Cite this Entry
“Double helix.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/double%20helix. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
double helix
noun
: a helix or spiral consisting of two strands in the surface of a cylinder that coil around its axis
especially
: the structural arrangement of DNA in space that consists of paired polynucleotide strands stabilized by cross-links between purine and pyrimidine bases compare alpha-helix, watson-crick model
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