: a tropism (as in plant roots) in which water or water vapor is the orienting factor
hydrotropic adjective

Word History

Etymology

probably borrowed from German Hydrotropismus, from hydro- hydro- + -tropismus -tropism

First Known Use

circa 1882, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hydrotropism was circa 1882

Dictionary Entries Near hydrotropism

Cite this Entry

“Hydrotropism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hydrotropism. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

hydrotropism

noun
hy·​drot·​ro·​pism hī-ˈdrä-trə-ˌpiz-əm How to pronounce hydrotropism (audio)
: a tropism (as in plant roots) in which water or water vapor causes the movement
hydrotropic adjective

Medical Definition

hydrotropism

noun
: a tropism in which water or water vapor is the orienting factor

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