thigmotropism

[ thig-mo-truh-piz-uh m ]
/ θɪgˈmɒ trəˌpɪz əm /

noun Biology.

oriented growth of an organism in response to mechanical contact, as a plant tendril coiling around a string support.

Origin of thigmotropism

1895–1900; < Greek thígm(a) touch + -o- + -tropism

OTHER WORDS FROM thigmotropism

thig·mo·trop·ic [thig-muh-trop-ik, -troh-pik] /ˌθɪg məˈtrɒp ɪk, -ˈtroʊ pɪk/, adjective

Words nearby thigmotropism

thigh-high, thigh-slapper, thighbone, thigmesthesia, thigmotaxis, thigmotropism, thill, thimble, thimbleberry, thimbleful, thimblerig

British Dictionary definitions for thigmotropism

thigmotropism
/ (ˌθɪɡməʊˈtrəʊpɪzəm) /

noun

the directional growth of a plant, in response to the stimulus of direct contact Also called: haptotropism, stereotropism

Derived forms of thigmotropism

thigmotropic, adjective

Word Origin for thigmotropism

C19: from Greek thigma touch + -tropism

Medical definitions for thigmotropism

thigmotropism
[ thĭg-mŏt′rə-pĭz′əm ]

n.

The turning or bending response of an organism or part of an organism upon direct contact with a solid surface or object. stereotropism

Other words from thigmotropism

thig′mo•trop′ic (thĭg′mə-trŏp′ĭk, -trō′pĭk) adj.