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
Far across the plains I saw a flashing light, as of a heliograph.
From Neighbours by Stead, Robert J. C.
Then a piece of mica, or a little pool, or even a highly polished leaf will flash like a heliograph.
From The Second Jungle Book by Kipling, Rudyard
The only heliograph with the column had vanished in the stampede, and Carleton, encircled by musketry, knew that he was as powerless to obey the order as to acknowledge it.
From History of the War in South Africa 1899-1902 v. 1 (of 4) Compiled by Direction of His Majesty's Government by Great Britain. War Office
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.
