thigmotaxis

noun

thig·​mo·​tax·​is ˌthig-mə-ˈtak-səs How to pronounce thigmotaxis (audio)
: a taxis in which contact especially with a solid body is the directive factor

Examples of thigmotaxis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
The instinct to do so is known as thigmotaxis: the tendency to move toward physical contact—in this case, not only with other stinkbugs but with almost any surface. Steven Strogatz, The New Yorker, 8 Aug. 2011

Word History

Etymology

probably borrowed from German Thigmotaxis, from thigmo- (in Thigmotropismus thigmotropism) + -taxis -taxis

First Known Use

circa 1900, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of thigmotaxis was circa 1900

Dictionary Entries Near thigmotaxis

Cite this Entry

“Thigmotaxis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thigmotaxis. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

thigmotaxis

noun
thig·​mo·​tax·​is ˌthig-mə-ˈtak-səs How to pronounce thigmotaxis (audio)
: a taxis in which contact especially with a solid or rigid surface is the stimulus directing the movement of an organism

Medical Definition

thigmotaxis

noun
thig·​mo·​tax·​is ˌthig-mə-ˈtak-səs How to pronounce thigmotaxis (audio)
plural thigmotaxes -ˌsēz How to pronounce thigmotaxis (audio)
: a taxis in which contact especially with a solid body is the directive factor
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