heliotropism

[ hee-lee-o-truh-piz-uhm, hee-lee-uh-troh-piz-uhm ]

noun

1. heliotropic tendency or growth.

heliotropism

/ ˌhiːlɪəʊˈtrɒpɪk; ˌhiːlɪˈɒtrəˌpɪzəm /

noun

1. the growth of plants or plant parts (esp flowers) in response to the stimulus of sunlight, so that they turn to face the sun

heliotropism

/ hē′lē-ŏt′rə-pĭz′əm /

1. The growth or movement of a fixed organism, especially a plant, toward or away from sunlight. Heliotropism can be easily seen in sunflowers, which slowly turn their large flowers so that they continually face the sun.

Derived Forms

• ˌhelioˈtropically, adverb
• heliotropic, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of heliotropism¹

First recorded in 1850–55; helio- + -tropism

Example Sentences

If it acts in a one-sided way, it causes the particular form of stimulation which we call phototaxis or heliotropism.

From Project Gutenberg

This 'midday sleep' has been termed para-heliotropism by Darwin.

From Project Gutenberg

We notice also the reverse phenomenon, namely, that chemical changes produced in the animal destroy its heliotropism.

From Project Gutenberg

These periodic motions are determined to a large extent, if not exclusively, by the heliotropism of these animals.

From Project Gutenberg

This problem reduces itself simply to that of the method whereby the gametes transmit heliotropism to the larvae or to the adult.

From Project Gutenberg