heliograph

American  

[hee-lee-uh-graf, -grahf] / ˈhi li əˌgræf, -ˌgrɑf /

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.

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verb (used with or without object)

1. to communicate by heliograph.

heliograph British  

/ -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

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Other Word Forms

• heliographer noun
• heliographic adjective
• heliographical adjective
• heliographically adverb
• heliography noun

Etymology

Origin of heliograph

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

Example Sentences

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

It is used for visual signalling by hand, flag, Ardois lights, torches, heliograph, lanterns, etc., and for sound signalling with buzzer, whistle, etc.

From Scouting For Girls, Official Handbook of the Girl Scouts by Bacon, Josephine Dodge Daskam

Giraffe is a pretty good hand at heliograph work and all kinds of wigwagging, you know.

From The Boy Scouts in the Rockies or the Secret of the Hidden Silver Mine by Carter, Herbert

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

From The Siege of Mafeking (1900) by Hamilton, J. Angus

Related Words

• flare
• lantern
• radar