thermotaxis

noun

ther·​mo·​tax·​is ˌthər-mə-ˈtak-səs 

1

: the regulation of body temperature

2

: a taxis in which temperature is the directive factor

Word History

Etymology

thermo- + -taxis

First Known Use

circa 1891, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

thermotaxis

noun

ther·​mo·​tax·​is ˌthər-mə-ˈtak-səs 

: a taxis in which temperature is the stimulus directing the movement of an organism

Medical Definition

thermotaxis

noun

ther·​mo·​tax·​is -ˈtak-səs 

plural thermotaxes -ˌsēz 

1

: a taxis in which a temperature gradient constitutes the directive factor

2

: the regulation of body temperature