Meaning & Definition of word "Taxis"

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.