heliostat

[ hee-lee-uh-stat ]

noun

1. an instrument consisting of a mirror moved by clockwork, for reflecting the sun's rays in a fixed direction.

heliostat

/ ˈhiːlɪəʊˌstæt /

noun

1. an astronomical instrument used to reflect the light of the sun in a constant direction

Derived Forms

• ˌhelioˈstatic, adjective

Other Words From

• heli·o·static adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of heliostat¹

From the New Latin word heliostata, dating back to 1740–50. See helio-, -stat

Example Sentences

I’d read that giant solar arrays were positioned throughout the city, along with two heliostat power plants on its outskirts.

From Literature

The observatory connects to a heliostat mounted outside, which tracks the sun and reflects light at the telescopes.

From Seattle Times

The observatory connects to a heliostat mounted outside, which tracks the sun and reflects light at the telescopes.

From New York Times

Heliostat machines on the roof of the Lowline Lab.

From The Verge

In 2011, Google announced that it halted its own heliostat project after researchers could not design an inexpensive model.

From US News