chemotactic

adjective

che·​mo·​tac·​tic ˌkē-mō-ˈtak-tik How to pronounce chemotactic (audio)
: involving, inducing, or exhibiting chemotaxis
chemotactically adverb

Examples of chemotactic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Autonomous motion can demonstrate numerous significant characteristics such as transduction of chemical potential into work without heat, chemosensitive motion, chemotactic and phototactic motions, and pulse-like motion with periodicities responding to the chemical environment. Sean Carroll, Discover Magazine, 18 Nov. 2010 Sperm from sneaker male squids exhibit chemotactic swarming to CO₂. Seriously Science, Discover Magazine, 9 July 2015 These signaling events elicit Ca(2+)-dependent turning behavior, resulting in chemotactic swarming. Seriously Science, Discover Magazine, 9 July 2015

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'chemotactic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

chemo- + -tactic, after German chemotaktisch, formed after Chemotaxis chemotaxis

Note: See note at chemotaxis.

First Known Use

1888, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of chemotactic was in 1888

Dictionary Entries Near chemotactic

Cite this Entry

“Chemotactic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chemotactic. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Medical Definition

chemotactic

adjective
che·​mo·​tac·​tic -ˈtak-tik How to pronounce chemotactic (audio)
: involving, inducing, or exhibiting chemotaxis
chemotactically adverb
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