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heliograph

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /ˈhɛliəˌɡræf/

KK: /ˈhɛliəˌgræf/

intransitive verb
Definition

To send a message using a device that reflects sunlight, typically for communication over long distances.


Example

The soldiers used a heliograph to communicate with each other across the valley.


Tense Forms

Past: heliographed

Past Participle: heliographed


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever seen someone heliograph messages in the mountains?
Sloth B
No, I haven't! That sounds really interesting.
Sloth A
I read that it's a cool way to communicate without using phones.
Sloth B
Yeah, I can see how it would be useful in remote areas.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
signal
communicate
transmit
Antonyms
conceal
ignore
suppress
noun
Definition

A tool used to send messages or take pictures using sunlight.


Example

The scientist used a heliograph to communicate with his team from a distance.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever heard of a heliograph?
Sloth B
Yeah, isn't it that device that uses sunlight to send messages?
Sloth A
Exactly! I think it would be cool to see one in action.
Sloth B
transitive verb
Definition

To send a message using a device that reflects sunlight, typically for long-distance communication.


Example

The military used a heliograph to send signals across the desert.


Tense Forms

Past: heliographed

Past Participle: heliographed


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you know you can heliograph messages over long distances?
Sloth B
Really? That sounds interesting!
Sloth A
Yeah, it's like using sunlight to send signals.
Sloth B
Root Explanation

Heliograph → It is formed from "helios" (meaning sun) and "grapho" (meaning to write or draw). The word describes a device that uses sunlight to send messages by reflecting light in coded signals.

Memory Tip

Think of 'helios' meaning sun and 'grapho' meaning to write — a heliograph is a device that writes messages using sunlight.

Visually Confused Words
oroheliograph
haliography
melograph
holograph
eidograph
melodiograph
haliographer
elliptograph
Is this page helpful?
For sure! It sounds like a fascinating way to communicate.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
sunlight
reflector
photograph
Antonyms
darkness
obscurity
shadow
I’d love to learn how to do that!

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
signal
transmit
communicate
Antonyms
receive
ignore
withhold