Meaning & Definition of word "Taxis"

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    Taxis

    /ˈtæksɪs/

    noun:

    • 1. The movement of an organism in response to a stimulus.
      • Example: The taxis of the bacteria toward the light source demonstrated their phototactic behavior.
    • 2. A type of movement or orientation in response to a specific environmental stimulus.
      • Example: The taxis of the plant roots was directed by the gravitational pull of the earth.
    • 3. A response that is characterized by movement toward or away from a stimulus.
      • Example: In the study of ethology, many species exhibit positive taxis in response to food.

    Etymology

    From Greek 'taxis', meaning 'arrangement' or 'order'.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    positive taxis:

    Movement toward a stimulus.

    negative taxis:

    Movement away from a stimulus.

    Related Words

    chemotaxis:

    Movement of an organism in response to chemical stimulus.

    phototaxis:

    Movement in response to light.

    Slang Meanings of taxis

    Meaning: Taxi cab.

    Example Sentence: I called a taxi to pick me up.

    Meaning: A ride in a taxi.

    Example Sentence: We took a taxi to the concert.