phototaxis

noun

pho·​to·​tax·​is ˌfō-tō-ˈtak-səs 

: a taxis in which light is the directive factor

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

circa 1889, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

phototaxis

noun

pho·​to·​tax·​is ˌfōt-ō-ˈtak-səs 

: a movement of a living thing that is made in response to light

Medical Definition

phototaxis

noun

pho·​to·​tax·​is -ˈtak-səs 

plural phototaxes -ˌsēz 

: a taxis in which light is the directive factor