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
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
A few minutes later, having ascertained the extent of the attack, our signallers opened communication with Higher Irlam, and the information was conveyed on to Barton, whence the heliograph flashed the news down to Stretford.
From The Great War in England in 1897 by Le Queux, William
The heliograph, too, was invariably set up, by which messages in cases of emergency could be despatched.
From Perils in the Transvaal and Zululand by Adams, H.C.
From the heights we had gained, operations were soon commenced both with heliograph and telescope.
From South Africa and the Transvaal War, Vol. 3 (of 6) From the Battle of Colenso, 15th Dec. 1899, to Lord Roberts's Advance into the Free State, 12th Feb. 1900 by Creswicke, Louis
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.
