geotropism
(noun) an orienting response to gravity
Source: WordNet® 3.1
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
2 April 2025
(adjective) secret or hidden; not openly practiced or engaged in or shown or avowed; “covert actions by the CIA”; “covert funding for the rebels”
The Boston Tea Party helped popularize coffee in America. The hefty tea tax imposed on the colonies in 1773 resulted in America switching from tea to coffee. In the lead up to the Revolutionary War, it became patriotic to sip java instead of tea. The Civil War made the drink more pervasive. Coffee helped energize tired troops, and drinking it became an expression of freedom.
