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.

Simplified etymology

Heliotrope is an Old English plant name containing Greek hēlios “sun.” It refers to a plant that turns its flowers to follow the sun.

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.

Topics

External links

• Google Images
• Cambridge Dictionary
• Wiktionary