klinotaxis

[ klahy-nuh-tak-sis ]

noun

, Biology.

1. a wavering side-to-side motion of the head occurring as an organism moves forward in response to a source of stimulation, caused by the alternating reaction of sensory receptors on either side of the body.

Word History and Origins

Origin of klinotaxis¹

1935–40; < Greek klī́n ( ein ) to cause to lean ( clino- ) + -o- + -taxis