Word of the day: Heliacal

Heliacal

[hə-LIH-ə-kəl]

Part of speech: adjective

Origin: Latin, 17th century

Relating to or near the sun.

Examples of heliacal in a sentence

"The morning heliacal view is best seen on the beach."

"The heliacal movements are more obvious in the fall and spring when daylight hours change dramatically."

About Heliacal

“Heliacal” comes from the Latin “hēliacus” and also the Greek “ἡλιακός,” both meaning “sun.”

Did you Know?

The astronomical expression “heliacal rising” refers to a star or planet coming into view in the east before sunrise; this is also the origin of the phrase “morning star.” In ancient Egypt, each summer’s heliacal rising of the star Sirius (the “Dog Star”) was an indicator the Nile would soon flood and nourish adjacent farmland to begin farming season. The English expression “the dog days of summer” refers to the idea that summer is at its hottest after Sirius’ heliacal rising.