Definition

A type of plant that is thought to turn or follow the sun as it moves across the sky.

Example

The turnsole in the garden always seems to face the sunlight during the day.

Conversation

Have you ever seen a turnsole in a garden?

Yeah, those flowers are fascinating how they follow the sun.

I read that they can really brighten up a space.

For sure! I think they make any garden look lively.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Turnsole → The word is derived from "turn" (from Old English "turnian", meaning to rotate or change direction) and "sole" (from Latin "sola", meaning the bottom or sole of the foot). The term originally referred to a plant that turns its flowers to follow the sun, metaphorically suggesting a turning towards the sun's position.

Memory Tip

Imagine a flower that 'turns' to follow the sun, which helps you remember that 'turnsole' refers to a plant that turns towards the light.

Visually Confused Words