geotropism

[ jee-o-truh-piz-uhm ]

noun

, Biology.

1. oriented growth with respect to the force of gravity.

geotropism

/ ˌdʒiːəʊˈtrɒpɪk; dʒɪˈɒtrəˌpɪzəm /

noun

1. the response of a plant part to the stimulus of gravity. Plant stems, which grow upwards irrespective of the position in which they are placed, show negative geotropism

geotropism

/ jē-ŏt′rə-pĭz′əm /

1. The directional growth of an organism in response to gravity. Roots display positive geotropism when they grow downwards, while shoots display negative geotropism when they grow upwards.
2. Also called gravitropism

Derived Forms

• geotropic, adjective
• ˌgeoˈtropically, adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of geotropism¹

First recorded in 1870–75; geo- + -tropism

Example Sentences

Thus I am now observing something about geotropism, and I had no idea a few weeks ago that this would have been necessary.

From Project Gutenberg

No phenomenon of tropic movement appears so inexplicable as that of geotropism.

From Project Gutenberg

The root is thus supposed to be characterised by "positive" and the shoot by "negative" geotropism.

From Project Gutenberg

Hence an agent which acts on the organ from outside, induces phototropic change earlier than variation in geotropism.

From Project Gutenberg

Further tests will be given later, to distinguish the phenomenon of Thermonasty from that of Thermo-geotropism.

From Project Gutenberg