tropism

[ troh-piz-uh m ]
/ ˈtroʊ pɪz əm /

noun Biology.

an orientation of an organism to an external stimulus, as light, especially by growth rather than by movement.

Origin of tropism

First recorded in 1895–1900; independent use of -tropism

OTHER WORDS FROM tropism

tro·pis·mat·ic [troh-piz-mat-ik] /ˌtroʊ pɪzˈmæt ɪk/, adjective tro·pis·tic [troh-pis-tik] /troʊˈpɪs tɪk/, adjective

Definition for tropism (2 of 2)

-tropism

variant of -tropy.

Origin of -tropism

see origin at -tropy, -ism

Example sentences from the Web for tropism

British Dictionary definitions for tropism (1 of 2)

tropism
/ (ˈtrəʊpɪzəm) /

noun

the response of an organism, esp a plant, to an external stimulus by growth in a direction determined by the stimulus

Derived forms of tropism

tropismatic, adjective tropistic (trəʊˈpɪstɪk), adjective

Word Origin for tropism

from Greek tropos a turn

British Dictionary definitions for tropism (2 of 2)

-tropism

-tropy


n combining form

indicating a tendency to turn or develop in response to a certain stimulus phototropism

Word Origin for -tropism

from Greek tropos a turn

Medical definitions for tropism (1 of 2)

tropism
[ trōpĭz′əm ]

n.

The turning or bending movement of a living organism or part toward or away from an external stimulus, such as light, heat, or gravity.

Other words from tropism

tropic, tro•pistic adj.

Medical definitions for tropism (2 of 2)

-tropism

suff.

Tropism:stereotropism.

Scientific definitions for tropism

tropism
[ trōpĭz′əm ]

The growth or movement of a living organism or anatomical structure toward or away from an external stimulus, such as light, heat, or gravity. See also geotropism hydrotropism phototropism.

Other words from tropism

tropistic adjective