CultureAugust 5, 2026

heliolater

HEE-lee-uh-lay-tur

Definition

A person who worships or is an intense devotee of the sun.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek 'helios' (sun) and 'latreia' (worship). It is a rare term constructed similarly to words like 'idolater' to describe someone whose lifestyle revolves around sun-seeking behavior.

In the news

The author uses this term to describe his past self, who obsessively sought out sunny vacation spots in the Mediterranean before changing his perspective to embrace Ireland's rainier climate.

Cónal Creedon's summer essay: Island Hopping — West Cork Style

Read the full article ↗

Irish Examiner

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