circumnutation

British  

/ ˌsɜkəmnjuːˈteɪʃən /

noun

1. another name for nutation

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Etymology

Origin of circumnutation

C19: from _circum- + -nutate, from Latin nūtāre to nod repeatedly, sway

Example Sentences

As all leaves and cotyledons are continually circumnutating, there can hardly be a doubt that diaheliotropism results from modified circumnutation.

From The Power of Movement in Plants by Darwin, Charles

Beta vulgaris: apogeotropic movement of hypocotyl from 19o beneath horizon to a vertical position, with subsequent circumnutation, traced on a vertical and on a horizontal glass-plate, from 8.28 A.M.

From The Power of Movement in Plants by Darwin, Charles

Lastly the circumnutation of a peduncle was traced during 51 h. whilst in the act of burying itself obliquely in a little heap of sand.

From The Power of Movement in Plants by Darwin, Charles

It seems therefore highly probable that they place themselves in their diageotropic position by means of modified circumnutation.

From The Power of Movement in Plants by Darwin, Charles

The course pursued differs from ordinary circumnutation only in its greater amplitude, and in its greater rapidity late in the evening and early on the following morning.

From The Power of Movement in Plants by Darwin, Charles