1. the property of a particle or wave of rotating or spiraling in a particular direction around its axis of motion
Usage: physics; commonly used in particle physics and quantum mechanics
2. in meteorology, a measure of the rotation of air in a storm system, used to predict tornado formation
Usage: meteorology; technical term

Examples

• The helicity of the electron determines whether it spins clockwise or counterclockwise relative to its direction of motion.
• Physicists measure helicity to classify different types of particles in the Standard Model.
• Storm chasers monitor helicity values to assess the potential for tornado development.
• The helicity of electromagnetic waves affects how they interact with matter.
• Left-handed and right-handed helicity represent opposite rotational directions in particle physics.