Definition of: heliotrope

(hē′lē·ə·trōp′, hēl′yə-) noun
1. An herb (genus Heliotropium) with small white or purplish fragrant flowers.
2. Any plant which turns toward the sun.
3. The garden heliotrope or common valerian (Valeriana officinalis); also, the winter heliotrope or butterburr (Petasites fragrans).
4. A variety of quartz, the bloodstone.
5. A soft rosy-purple, the color of flowers of Heliotropium arborescens. [<F héliotrope <L heliotropium <Gk. hēliotropion <hēlios sun + trepein turn]