heliotrope

noun

he·​lio·​trope ˈhē-lē-ə-ˌtrōp 

ˈhēl-yə-,

 British also  ˈhel-yə-

1

: any of a genus (Heliotropium) of herbs or shrubs of the borage family compare garden heliotrope

2

: bloodstone

3

: a variable color averaging a moderate to reddish purple

Illustration of heliotrope

• heliotrope 1

Did you know?

Helios was the god of the sun in Greek mythology, and helio- came to appear in a number of sun-related English words. The genus known as the heliotropes consists of about 250 species; many are thought of as weeds, but the best-known species, garden heliotrope, is a popular and fragrant perennial that resembles the forget-me-not. The heliotrope tends to follow the sun—that is, turn its blossoms toward the sun as it travels from East to West every day. But the fact is, heliotropism—turning toward the sun—is common among flowers (and even leaves), and some, like the sunflower, are more dramatically heliotropic than the heliotrope. Those in the far North actually use their petals to reflect the sun's heat onto the flower's central ovary during the short growing season.

Examples of heliotrope in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Complete with pure Madagascar vanilla, creamy tonka bean and soft heliotrope, this is truly a vanilla lover’s delight that also blends seamlessly with stronger scents. —Dahvi Shira, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024

Growing Conditions: Full sun with some afternoon shade in the hottest areas, rich and well-draining soil Size: Up to 4 feet tall and 3 feet wide Zones: 8-11 04 of 11 Heliotrope Sweetly fragrant purple flowers cover heliotrope (Heliotropium arborescens) from early summer through fall. —Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 July 2024

Growing Conditions: Full sun or part shade and well-draining soil Size: Up to 4 feet tall and 2 feet wide Zones: 10–11 All parts of heliotrope are toxic to humans and horses when ingested in large quantities. —Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 July 2024

The base notes of tonka bean, musk and heliotrope create a warm and creamy finish that lingers on the skin, leaving a trail of irresistible allure. —Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 19 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin heliotropium, from Greek hēliotropion, from hēlio- heli- entry 1 + tropos turn; from its flowers' turning toward the sun — more at trope

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing heliotrope

• garden heliotrope

Kids Definition

heliotrope

noun

he·​lio·​trope ˈhē-lē-ə-ˌtrōp 

ˈhēl-yə-

: any of a genus of herbs or shrubs having small white or purple flowers