klinotaxis

American  

[klahy-nuh-tak-sis] / ˌklaɪ nəˈtæk sɪs /

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.

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Etymology

Origin of klinotaxis

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

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