plural taxes
ˈtak-ˌsēz 
1
: reflex translational or orientational movement by a freely motile and usually simple organism in relation to a source of stimulation (such as a light or a temperature or chemical gradient)
2
: a reflex reaction involving a taxis
plural -taxes
1
: arrangement : ordering
thermotaxis
2
: physiological taxis
chemotaxis
Cite this Entry
“Taxis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/taxis. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
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Medical Definition
taxis
noun
tax·is
ˈtak-səs
plural taxes
-ˌsēz
1
: the manual restoration of a displaced body part
specifically
: the reduction of a hernia manually
2
a
: reflex translational or orientational movement by a freely motile and usually simple organism in relation to a source of stimulation (as a light or a temperature or chemical gradient)
b
: a reflex reaction involving a taxis
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