Taxis

/ˈtæksɪs/

Meaning & Definition

noun

The movement of an organism in response to a stimulus.

The taxis of the bacteria toward the light source demonstrated their phototactic behavior.

A type of movement or orientation in response to a specific environmental stimulus.

The taxis of the plant roots was directed by the gravitational pull of the earth.

A response that is characterized by movement toward or away from a stimulus.

In the study of ethology, many species exhibit positive taxis in response to food.

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

positive taxis:

Movement toward a stimulus.

negative taxis:

Movement away from a stimulus.

Taxi cab.

I called a taxi to pick me up.

A ride in a taxi.

We took a taxi to the concert.