Heli-

Roots with similar meanings:

• sol- meaning “sun”

Roots with opposite meanings:

Roots that could be confused:

• helic- meaning “something twisted or spiral”

Notes:

Derived English Words

Commonly encountered words are in bold.

helium: A chemical element (He), a lightweight, colorless, and inert gas, named after the Greek word for the sun because it was first detected in the solar spectrum.

heliocentric: Having or representing the sun as the center, such as in the heliocentric model of the solar system.

heliosphere: The bubble-like region of space dominated by the solar wind and magnetic field, surrounding the solar system.

perihelion: The point in an orbit where a planet, comet, or other body is closest to the sun.

aphelion: The point in an orbit where a planet, comet, or other body is farthest from the sun.

heliograph: A device used to send messages by reflecting sunlight with mirrors.

heliodon: An instrument that models the sun’s path for architectural or scientific purposes.

helioscope: A telescope or instrument designed for observing the sun.

heliometer: An instrument originally designed to measure the sun’s diameter and angular distances.

heliophilia: A love or strong attraction to sunlight.

heliophobia: An aversion to or fear of sunlight.

heliosis: Sunburn or damage caused by excessive exposure to sunlight.

helioculture: The use of sunlight to grow plants, especially in controlled environments.

heliolithic: Referring to ancient cultures or structures associated with sun worship.

heliotype: A photographic process involving sunlight to produce images.

heliochrome: A photographic print in natural colors using sunlight.

heliotrope: A plant that turns toward the sun or a light purple color named after the flower.

heliotaxis: The movement or growth of an organism in response to sunlight.

heliofugal: Moving or directed away from the sun.

heliostatic: Referring to devices or systems designed to track the sun’s movement or remain fixed relative to the sun.

heliozoan: A type of microscopic aquatic organism with sun-like radiating projections.

helioid: Having a shape or appearance resembling the sun.

heliology: The study of the sun, including its structure and effects.

Other Uses

Links

List of Greek and Latin roots in English – Wikipedia

Words Derived from Roots

Greek Alphabet

Other Roots Used in These Words

Root	Meaning
ap-, apo-	away from, separate, at the farthest point
centr-	center
chrom-	color
fug-, fugit-	flee
graph-	draw, write
lith-	stone
log-, -logy	word, reason, speech, thought
-oid	like
peri-	around
phil-, -phile	love, friendship
phob-	fear
scop-	look at, examine, view, observe
spher-	ball
statu-, -stitu-	stand
trop-	turning
zo-	animal, living being