: 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

Browse Nearby Entries

Cite this Entry

“Hydrotropism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hydrotropism. Accessed 28 Feb. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on hydrotropism

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!