Thig`mo*tax"is (?), n. [NL., fr. Gr. &?; touch + &?; an arranging.] (Physiol.)

The property possessed by living protoplasm of contracting, and thus moving, when touched by a solid or fluid substance.

⇒ When the movement is away from the touching body, it is negative thigmotaxis; when towards it, positive thigmotaxis.

 

© Webster 1913