ellipsoid vs helix

ellipsoid

noun
  • A surface, all of whose cross sections are elliptic or circular (including the sphere), that generalises the ellipse and in Cartesian coordinates (x, y, z) is a quadric with equation x²/a² + y²/b² + z²/c² = 1. 

  • Such a surface used as a model of the shape of the earth. 

adj
  • Shaped like an ellipse; elliptical. 

  • Having the tridimensional shape of an ellipse rotated on its long axis. 

  • Of or pertaining to an ellipse; elliptic. 

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 ellipsoid and helix occurred in a corpus of books? (source: Google Ngram Viewer )