GEOTROPISM

geotropism

(noun) an orienting response to gravity

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

geotropism (countable and uncountable, plural geotropisms)

(biology) The movement of a plant in response to gravity (either downwards or upwards).

Synonym: gravitropism

Source: Wiktionary

Ge*ot"ro*pism, n. Etym: [Gr. (Biol.)

Definition: A disposition to turn or incline towards the earth; the influence of gravity in determining the direction of growth of an organ.

Note: In plants, organs which grow towards the center of the earth are said to be positively geotropic, and those growing in the opposite direction negatively geotropic. In animals, geotropism is supposed by some to have an influence either direct or indirect on the plane of division of the ovum.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition