n. [ F. héliotrope, L. heliotropium, Gr. &unr_;; &unr_; the sun + &unr_; to turn, &unr_; turn. See Heliacal, Trope. ] 1. (Anc. Astron.) An instrument or machine for showing when the sun arrived at the tropics and equinoctial line. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. (Bot.) A plant of the genus Heliotropium; -- called also turnsole and girasole. Heliotropium Peruvianum is the commonly cultivated species with fragrant flowers. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. (Geodesy & Signal Service) An instrument for making signals to an observer at a distance, by means of the sun's rays thrown from a mirror. [ 1913 Webster ] 4. (Min.) See Bloodstone (a). [ 1913 Webster ]
Heliotrope purple, a grayish purple color. [ 1913 Webster ]
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