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• helio
  helio

  noun

  a heliogram.
• helio-
  helio-

  a combining form meaning “sun,” used in the formation of compound words.

helio

¹ American  

[hee-lee-oh] / ˈhi liˌoʊ /

noun

Informal.

helios plural

1. a heliogram.

2. a heliograph.

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helio- ² American  

1. a combining form meaning “sun,” used in the formation of compound words.

   heliolatry.

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helio- British  

combining form

1. indicating the sun

   heliocentric

   heliolithic

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Usage

What does helio- mean? Helio- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “sun.” It is frequently used in a variety of scientific and technical terms. Helio- comes from Greek hḗlios, meaning “sun.” The Latin cognate, sōl, is the source of several words related to the sun, such as solar and solstice. What are variants of helio-?When combined with words or word elements that begin with a vowel, helio- becomes heli-, as in heliencephalitis. Want to know more? Read our Words That Use article for heli-.

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• helios
  plural

Etymology

Origin of helio¹

By shortening

Origin of helio-²

< Greek, combining form of hḗlios sun

Example Sentences

Those six drivers — Kirkwood, Rossi, Mario Andretti, Al Unser Jr., Helio Castroneves and Sebastien Bourdais — combined for 12 victories after qualifying fastest.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2026

Helio Castroneves also sustained damage that sent him out.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 16, 2025

Helio Santos, who is based in Stratford in east London, is another driver taking part in the strike.

From BBC • Feb. 14, 2025

Bon Jovi is also riding in the “Fastest Seat in Sports” as he will join Helio Castroneves in IndyCar’s two-seater.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 9, 2024

Mingled with his voice, the Inter-Allied announcer was saying: "Greater-New York 10.32 Martian Helio, via Tokyohama: Little People Proclamation——" A man standing near the tape switched off the droning voice.

From Tarrano the Conqueror by Cummings, Ray