heliograph
Americannoun
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a device for signaling by means of a movable mirror that reflects beams of light, especially sunlight, to a distance.
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Astronomy. photoheliograph.
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Meteorology. an instrument for recording the duration and intensity of sunshine.
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Photography, Printing. an early type of photoengraving made on a metal plate coated with sensitized asphalt.
verb (used with or without object)
noun
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an instrument with mirrors and a shutter used for sending messages in Morse code by reflecting the sun's rays
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a device used to photograph the sun
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of heliograph
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Many of the instruments used in early operations of the United States Army Signal Corps were adaptations of equipment used by the Plains Indians, particularly that of the heliograph.
From SAT Tests
In the flash of heliograph signals in the North Sea haze and the speaking of great naval guns, the world has lately read a certain statement about the British Empire.
From Time Magazine Archive
They would not have been true Boy Scouts if they had not before now learned how to wigwag with flags, or lanterns, as well as use a looking-glass in the sun in heliograph telegraphy.
From The Boy Scouts in the Blue Ridge Marooned Among the Moonshiners by Carter, Herbert
Right in front, although the sun is not yet risen, the east is already lighted with preparatory fires, and the huge accumulations of the trade-wind cloud glow with and heliograph the coming day.
From The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson - Swanston Edition Vol. 18 (of 25) by Stevenson, Robert Louis
“He said you understood—Britt did,” clamored MacLeod, hastening around in front of the heliograph.
From King Spruce, A Novel by Day, Holman
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
