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thigmotaxis

noun
thig·​mo·​tax·​is | \ ˌthig-mə-ˈtak-səs 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

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 | \ ˌthig-mə-ˈtak-səs How to pronounce thigmotaxis (audio) \
plural thigmotaxes\ -​ˌsēz 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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