apheliotropically
|a-phe-li-o-trop-i-cal-ly|
🇺🇸
/ˌæfɪliəˈtroʊpɪk/
🇬🇧
/ˌæfɪliəˈtrɒpɪk/
(apheliotropic)
turning away from the sun
Etymology
'apheliotropic' originates from Greek elements, specifically from 'apo' (away) + 'helios' ('sun') forming 'aphelion' and Greek 'tropos' meaning 'turn', combined in scientific/New Latin formation.
'apheliotropic' developed as a compound of Greek roots (apo- + helios + tropos) into New Latin/scientific usage (apheliotrop- / apheliotropism) and entered English as technical vocabulary (apheliotropism, apheliotropic).
Initially it referred to turning away from the sun ('away from sun-turning'); over time it has remained a technical term describing that same directional/behavioral property in biology and botany.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
apheliotropism: the tendency of an organism or plant part to turn or grow away from the sun or a light source.
Researchers observed apheliotropism in the species under harsh light conditions.
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Adjective 1
(base form) Turning or growing away from the sun; exhibiting apheliotropism.
Apheliotropic stems often bend away from direct sunlight to reduce exposure.
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Adverb 1
in a manner characterized by apheliotropism; away from the sun or a light source (i.e., turning or growing away from sunlight).
The plant bent apheliotropically, turning its leaves away from the intense midday sun.
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Last updated: 2025/09/16 03:20