heliacal

American  

[hi-lahy-uh-kuhl] / hɪˈlaɪ ə kəl /

Also heliac

adjective

Astronomy.

1. pertaining to or occurring near the sun, especially applied to such risings and settings of a star as are most nearly coincident with those of the sun while yet visible.

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Other Word Forms

• heliacally adverb

Etymology

Origin of heliacal

1600–10; < Late Latin hēliac ( us ) (< Greek hēliakós; see heli- ¹, -ac) + -al ¹

Example Sentences

And the heliacal risings of Jupiter, as also, indeed, those of the other planets, are shown in almanacs for astrological purposes.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 13, Slice 4 "Hero" to "Hindu Chronology" by Various

They approximated to the truth in reference to the solar year, by observing the equinoxes and solstices and the heliacal rising of particular stars.

From Beacon Lights of History, Volume 03 Ancient Achievements by Lord, John

In Egypt, another reason was, that then the Nile began to overflow, at the heliacal rising of Sirius.

From Morals and Dogma of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry by Pike, Albert

It seems to have been considered of great importance in ancient Egypt, as its heliacal rising announced that of Sirius, which heralded the annual rising of the Nile.

From Astronomical Curiosities Facts and Fallacies by Gore, J. Ellard

The dies caniculares, or dog-days, were reckoned to begin twenty days before, and to continue for twenty days after, the heliacal rising of Sirius, the dog-star.

From The Astronomy of Milton's 'Paradise Lost' by Orchard, Thomas Nathaniel

Related Words

• cosmic