Definition

A type of movement or response in which an organism moves towards or away from a solid object or surface due to physical contact.

Example

The plant exhibits thigmotaxis by curling its tendrils around the support structure.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of thigmotaxis?

No, I haven't. What is it?

It's when organisms move in response to touch or contact with solid surfaces.

That sounds interesting! I didn't know there was a term for that.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Thigmotaxis is formed from "thigmo-" (from Greek "thigma", meaning touch) and "taxis" (from Greek "taxis", meaning arrangement or order). The word describes the movement or orientation of an organism in response to touch or physical contact with a surface.

Memory Tip

Think of 'touch' ('thigmo-') guiding the 'arrangement' ('taxis') of an organism's movement — that's how thigmotaxis means movement in response to touch.

Visually Confused Words