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

Formulated with notes of Madagascar vanilla, creamy tonka bean, and soft heliotrope, clean perfume provides skin with a rich hint of warm, calming aromas. —Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 14 Dec. 2023

By The Fireplace, for example, has notes of clove oil, chestnut accord and vanilla accord, while Beach Walk features bergamot, heliotrope and coconut milk. —Sarah Grossbart, wsj.com, 12 Oct. 2023

Plus, the warm, genderless scent is not only easy to layer, but its blend of bergamot, heliotrope, coconut milk captures the essence of salty beach air beautifully. —Tiffany Dodson, Harper's BAZAAR, 6 July 2023

With each new episode, a rewatch of the pilot brings more clues into focus (Jackie’s heart necklace; Nat wearing heliotrope; Shauna’s foreshadowed pregnancy; and Lottie’s real name being Charlotte, labeled on a prescription pill bottle). —Jackie Strause, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 May 2023

The rich, fruity top note gives way to a heart of rich florals such as heliotrope and and tuberose, and dries down to a creamy sandalwood. —Lauren Valenti, Vogue, 1 Apr. 2023

Notes of bergamot, rose, myrrh, and vanilla melt away any stress with their aroma therapy qualities, finished with patchouli, heliotrope, and hedione, still bright enough to grab attention. —Cassell Ferere, Forbes, 6 Feb. 2023

This coconut soy wax blend's has notes of honey and hay as well as heliotrope. —Monique Valeris, Good Housekeeping, 20 Dec. 2022

Balancing its foodie elements—cocoa absolute, honey comb, and lemon sugar—with heliotrope puts a new twist on a familiar treat. —Janelle Okwodu, Vogue, 19 Apr. 2022

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