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chemotactic

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /ˌkiːməʊˈtæktɪk/

KK: /kɛmoʊˈtæktɪk/

adjective
Definition

Relating to the movement of cells or organisms in response to chemical stimuli.


Example

The chemotactic response of the bacteria allows them to move toward nutrients.


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you read that article about how certain cells are chemotactic?
Sloth B
Yeah, it was fascinating! They really know how to move toward the right signals.
Sloth A
I didn't realize how important those chemotactic properties are in our bodies.
Sloth B
Absolutely! It’s amazing how they help in processes like healing.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
attractive
responsive
migratory
Antonyms
repulsive
inactive
stationary
Root Explanation

Chemotactic → It is formed from "chemo-" (from Greek "chēmeia", meaning chemistry or chemical) and "tactic" (from Greek "taktikos", meaning relating to arrangement or order). The word describes the movement of organisms in response to chemical stimuli, indicating a directional response to chemicals.

Memory Tip

Think of 'chemicals' ('chemo-') guiding the 'movement' ('tactic') of organisms — that's what chemotactic means.

Visually Confused Words
thermotactic
chaetotactic
rheotactic
homotactic
hemostatic
thymotactic
heliotactic
schematic
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