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thigmotaxis

noun
thig·​mo·​tax·​is | \ ËŒthig-mÉ™-ˈtak-sÉ™s How to pronounce thigmotaxis (audio) \

Definition of thigmotaxis

: 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

 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, "When Twenty-Six Thousand Stinkbugs Invade Your Home," 8 Aug. 2011

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'thigmotaxis.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of thigmotaxis

circa 1900, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for thigmotaxis

New Latin, from Greek thigma touch (from thinganein to touch) + New Latin -taxis; akin to Latin fingere to shape — more at dough

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More Definitions for thigmotaxis

thigmotaxis

noun
thig·​mo·​tax·​is | \ ËŒthig-mÉ™-ˈtak-sÉ™s How to pronounce thigmotaxis (audio) \
plural thigmotaxes\ -​ËŒsÄ“z How to pronounce thigmotaxes (audio) \

Medical Definition of thigmotaxis

: a taxis in which contact especially with a solid body is the directive factor

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