heliotrope

(hē′lē ə trōp′; also, chiefly Brit, hel′ē ə-)

noun

Obsolete a sunflower or other plant whose flowers turn to face the sun
any of a genus (Heliotropium) of plants of the borage family, with fragrant clusters of small, white or reddish-purple flowers
garden heliotrope
reddish purple
a kind of heliograph (sense ) used in surveying
bloodstone

Origin: Fr héliotrope < L heliotropium < Gr hēliotropion < hēlios, the sun (see Helios) + base of trepein, to turn (see trope)

adjective

reddish-purple

See heliotrope in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

a. Any of several plants of the genus Heliotropium, especially H. arborescens, native to Peru and having small, highly fragrant purplish flowers. Also called turnsole.
b. The garden heliotrope.
c. Any of various plants that turn toward the sun.
See bloodstone.
A moderate, light, or brilliant violet to moderate or deep reddish purple.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English elitrope (from Old English eliotropus)

Origin: and French héliotrope

Origin: , both from Latin hēliotropium

Origin: , from Greek hēliotropion

Origin: : hēlio-, helio-

Origin: + tropos, turn; see trope

Related Forms: