Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

tropism

noun

/ˈtrōpɪzəm/

Definition

Tropism refers to the growth or movement of a living organism in response to an external stimulus such as light or gravity.

Examples

Plants exhibit phototropism by bending toward light sources.
Roots show gravitropism as they grow downward in response to gravity.
In some cases, animals may demonstrate thermotropism by moving toward warmer areas.

Meaning

Tropism is a biological phenomenon where plants and some other organisms orient themselves toward or away from certain stimuli, ensuring their growth and survival.