In a biological sense, taxis is directed movement in response to stimuli. The movement is either directed toward the stimuli or away from it. A simple example of taxis would be moths that move towards light. Another example would be cockroaches moving away from light.

Contrast with kinesis and migration.

Tax"is (?), n. [NL., fr. Gr. ta`xis a division or arrangement, fr. ta`ssein to arrange.] (Surg.)

Manipulation applied to a hernial tumor, or to an intestinal obstruction, for the purpose of reducing it. Dunglison.

 

© Webster 1913

---

Tax"is (?), n.

In technical uses, as in architecture, biology, grammar, etc., arrangement; order; ordonnance.

 

© Webster 1913