Definition

Noun The worship of the sun as a deity or divine power.

Usage

This is a formal, specialized term used primarily in academic, historical, or religious studies contexts to describe religious practices centered on sun worship. It is not commonly used in everyday conversation.

Examples

• The ancient Egyptian religion is often cited as an example of heliolatry.
• Scholars study artifacts to understand the rituals of heliolatry in pre-Columbian cultures.
• Some historians argue that the alignment of Stonehenge suggests practices of heliolatry.

Advanced Usage

• The term can be used metaphorically in literary or critical contexts to describe an intense, almost religious admiration for something.
  • His heliolatry of classical architecture was evident in every design.

Variants and Related Words

• Heliolater (noun): A person who worships the sun.
  • The priest was a devoted heliolater.
• Heliolatrous (adjective): Pertaining to or characterized by sun worship.
  • The heliolatrous rites were performed at dawn.

Synonyms

• Sun-worship: The most direct and common synonym.
• Solar cult: A more general term for religious systems focused on the sun.

Different Meanings

This word has a single, specific meaning related to religious worship. It does not have other common definitions.

Idioms

There are no common idioms that use the word "heliolatry."

Phrasal Verbs

This is a noun; it does not have phrasal verb forms.

Noun

1. the worship of the sun