heliograph

[ hee-lee-uh-graf, -grahf ]

noun

1. a device for signaling by means of a movable mirror that reflects beams of light, especially sunlight, to a distance.
2. Astronomy. photoheliograph.
3. Meteorology. an instrument for recording the duration and intensity of sunshine.
4. Photography, Printing. an early type of photoengraving made on a metal plate coated with sensitized asphalt.

verb (used with or without object)

1. to communicate by heliograph.

heliograph

/ -ˌɡræf; ˌhiːlɪˈɒɡrəfə; ˈhiːlɪəʊˌɡrɑːf; ˌhiːlɪəʊˈɡræfɪk /

noun

1. an instrument with mirrors and a shutter used for sending messages in Morse code by reflecting the sun's rays
2. a device used to photograph the sun

Derived Forms

• ˌheliˈography, noun
• heliographic, adjective
• heliographer, noun

Other Words From

• he·li·og·ra·pher [hee-lee-, og, -r, uh, -fer], noun
• he·li·o·graph·ic [hee-lee-, uh, -, graf, -ik], heli·o·graphi·cal adjective
• heli·o·graphi·cal·ly adverb
• heli·ogra·phy noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of heliograph¹

First recorded in 1815–25; helio- + -graph

Example Sentences

A major renovation of the Ransom Center in 2003 created more than 40,000 square feet of public space and a gallery with permanent exhibits of some materials, including a Gutenberg Bible and the Niépce Heliograph, the world’s oldest known surviving photograph.

From Seattle Times

Here, in 13,000 square feet, is a 16th-century copy of the first published book on cryptology, Johannes Trithemius’s “Polygraphiae,” along with a cipher disc used by the Confederacy during the Civil War; children’s school notebooks used by the Vietcong to cloak intelligence on fighting forces; and a heliograph, whose maneuverable mirrors were used in the First World War to flash sunbeams in Morse Code patterns.

From New York Times

To this shot the heliograph flashed a cordial expression of approval.

From Project Gutenberg

Far in rear, upon a hill-top, a heliograph blinked and flickered in the sun.

From Project Gutenberg

Leaving Bill to recover the trail, he hastened back to heliograph that the safari might advance, and by the time he had once more penetrated the wood and rejoined the Wanderobbo, Ferrier had come within sight in a hollow a mile and a half to the east.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• flare
• lantern
• radar