curlicue vs helix

curlicue

noun
  • A fancy twisting or curling shape usually made from a series of spirals and loops. 

verb
  • To make or adorn (something) with curlicues, or as if with curlicues. 

helix

noun
  • 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. 

  • An upside down midair 360° spin in playboating. 

verb
  • To form or cause to form a helix. 

How often have the words curlicue and helix occurred in a corpus of books? (source: Google Ngram Viewer )