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Webster 1913 Edition


Heliotropism

Heˊli-ot′ro-pism

,
Noun.
[
Helio-
+ Gr. [GREEK] to turn.]
(Bot.)
The phenomenon of turning toward the light, seen in many leaves and flowers.

Definition 2024


heliotropism

heliotropism

English

Noun

heliotropism (countable and uncountable, plural heliotropisms)

  1. The property of some plants of turning under the influence of light; either positively (towards the light) or negatively (away from the light)
    • 2012, Staff (University of Wisconsin-Madison), Sunflowers inspire more efficient solar power system, R&D Magazine, online:
      A field of young sunflowers will slowly rotate from east to west during the course of a sunny day, each leaf seeking out as much sunlight as possible as the sun moves across the sky through an adaptation called heliotropism.

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