klinotaxis

[ klahy-nuh-tak-sis ]
/ ˌklaɪ nəˈtæk sɪs /

noun Biology.

a wavering side-to-side motion of the head occurring as an organism moves forward in response to a source of stimulation, caused by the alternating reaction of sensory receptors on either side of the body.
Compare tropotaxis.

Origin of klinotaxis

1935–40; < Greek klī́n(ein) to cause to lean (cf. clino-) + -o- + -taxis