Heliotropy

/ˌhiːliəˈtrɑːpi/ noun

Definition

The tendency or characteristic of an organism, especially a plant, to turn or orient itself toward sunlight; another term for heliotropism.

Etymology

From Greek 'helios' (sun) and 'tropos' (turning), with '-y' as a noun-forming suffix. This term is an alternative to 'heliotropism' with subtly different scientific usage.

Kelly Says

Heliotropy and heliotropism mean almost the same thing, but scientists sometimes use 'heliotropy' to emphasize the tendency itself rather than the action—it's like the difference between 'tendency to run' versus 'running.'

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