taxis

1 of 2

noun

tax·is ˈtak-səs

plural taxes ˈtak-ˌsēz

: reflex translational or orientational movement by a freely motile and usually simple organism in relation to a source of stimulation (such as a light or a temperature or chemical gradient)

: a reflex reaction involving a taxis

-taxis

2 of 2

noun combining form

plural -taxes

: arrangement : ordering

thermotaxis

: physiological taxis

chemotaxis

Word History

Etymology

Noun

borrowed from German Taxis, borrowed from Greek táxis "drawing up in rank and file, order of battle, arrangement, order," from tag-, stem of tássein (Attic táttein) "to draw up in order (as troops, ships), post, station, place in order, prescribe, assess" + -sis -sis — more at tactic entry 2

Noun combining form

borrowed from Greek táxis "arrangement, disposition, order" — more at taxis

First Known Use

Noun

1899, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of taxis was in 1899

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Taxis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/taxis. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

taxis

noun

tax·is ˈtak-səs

plural taxes ˈtak-ˌsēz

: a reflex movement by a freely moving organism in relation to a stimulus (as a light or a change in temperature)

also : a reflex reaction involving such movement compare tropism

Medical Definition

taxis

noun

tax·is ˈtak-səs

plural taxes -ˌsēz

: the manual restoration of a displaced body part

specifically : the reduction of a hernia manually

: reflex translational or orientational movement by a freely motile and usually simple organism in relation to a source of stimulation (as a light or a temperature or chemical gradient)

: a reflex reaction involving a taxis

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taxis

noun

noun combining form

Word History

Dictionary Entries Near taxis

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

Medical Definition