alpha-helix

noun

al·​pha-he·​lix ˌal-fə-ˈhē-liks 

: the coiled structural arrangement of many proteins consisting of a single chain of amino acids stabilized by hydrogen bonds

alpha-helical

ˌal-fə-ˈhe-li-kəl

-ˈhē-li- 

adjective

Word History

First Known Use

1951, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

alpha-helix

noun

al·​pha-he·​lix

variants or α-helix

ˌal-fə-ˈhē-liks 

: the coiled structural arrangement of many proteins consisting of a single chain of amino acids stabilized by hydrogen bonds compare beta-sheet, double helix

alpha-helical

-ˈhel-i-kəl  -ˈhē-li- 

adjective