phototactic

adjective

pho·​to·​tac·​tic ˌfō-tō-ˈtak-tik How to pronounce phototactic (audio)
: of, relating to, or exhibiting phototaxis
phototactically adverb

Examples of phototactic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Autonomous motion can demonstrate numerous significant characteristics such as transduction of chemical potential into work without heat, chemosensitive motion, chemotactic and phototactic motions, and pulse-like motion with periodicities responding to the chemical environment. Sean Carroll, Discover Magazine, 18 Nov. 2010

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1882, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of phototactic was in 1882

Dictionary Entries Near phototactic

Cite this Entry

“Phototactic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phototactic. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

phototactic

adjective
pho·​to·​tac·​tic ˌfōt-ō-ˈtak-tik How to pronounce phototactic (audio)
: of, relating to, or exhibiting phototaxis
phototactically adverb
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!