thermotaxis

noun

ther·​mo·​tax·​is ˌthər-mə-ˈtak-səs How to pronounce thermotaxis (audio)
1
: the regulation of body temperature
2
: a taxis in which temperature is the directive factor

Word History

Etymology

thermo- + -taxis

First Known Use

circa 1891, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of thermotaxis was circa 1891

Dictionary Entries Near thermotaxis

thermostimulation

thermotaxis

thermotropic

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Thermotaxis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thermotaxis. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

thermotaxis

noun
ther·​mo·​tax·​is ˌthər-mə-ˈtak-səs How to pronounce thermotaxis (audio)
: a taxis in which temperature is the stimulus directing the movement of an organism

Medical Definition

thermotaxis

noun
ther·​mo·​tax·​is -ˈtak-səs How to pronounce thermotaxis (audio)
plural thermotaxes -ˌsēz How to pronounce thermotaxis (audio)
1
: a taxis in which a temperature gradient constitutes the directive factor
2
: the regulation of body temperature
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