chemotropism

[ ki-mo-truh-piz-uhm ]

noun

, Biology.

1. oriented growth or movement in response to a chemical stimulus.

chemotropism

/ ˌkɛməʊˈtrɒpɪk; ˌkɛməʊˈtrəʊˌpɪzəm /

noun

1. the growth response of an organism, esp a plant, to a chemical stimulus

Derived Forms

• chemotropic, adjective
• ˌchemoˈtropically, adverb

Other Words From

• che·mo·trop·ic [kee-m, uh, -, trop, -ik, -, troh, -pik, kem-, uh, -], adjective
• chemo·tropi·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of chemotropism¹

First recorded in 1895–1900; chemo- + -tropism

Example Sentences

Conception depends on exactly the same erotic chemotropism in the fertilization of all the higher organisms.

From Project Gutenberg

Herbst pointed out that this might be a case of chemotropism, caused by the oxygen surrounding the egg.

From Project Gutenberg

We have already alluded to certain phenomena of chemotropism in Chapter IV.

From Project Gutenberg

The act of seeking the female as well as that of cohabitation are in many cases combinations of chemotropism and stereotropism.

From Project Gutenberg

It is chemotropism, not solicitude for its offspring, which drives the flesh fly to lay its eggs on decaying meat.

From Project Gutenberg