taxis

tax·is

noun \ˈtak-səs\

plural tax·es\-ˌsēz\

Definition of TAXIS

1

: reflex translational or orientational movement by a freely motile and usually simple organism in relation to a source of stimulation (as a light or a temperature or chemical gradient)

2

: a reflex reaction involving a taxis

Origin of TAXIS

Greek, literally, arrangement, order, from tassein to arrange

First Known Use: 1899