heliotrope

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a plant of the genus Heliotropium, often grown for clusters of fragrant purple flowers

   The familiar perfume reminded her of heliotrope in a summer garden.

2. 2
   noun

   the sweet fragrance of heliotrope flowers, or a perfume resembling it

   The memory returned with the smell of heliotrope.

3. 3
   noun

   a light violet or purple color

   The fabric was dyed a muted heliotrope.

From French heliotrope and Latin heliotropium, from Ancient Greek heliotropion, built from helios ("sun") + tropos ("turn"). The name referred to plants believed to turn toward the sun.

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