hydrotropism

noun

hy·​drot·​ro·​pism hī-ˈdrä-trə-ˌpi-zəm How to pronounce hydrotropism (audio) ˌhī-drə-ˈtrō-ˌpi-zəm How to pronounce hydrotropism (audio) -ˈträ- How to pronounce hydrotropism (audio)
: a tropism (as in plant roots) in which water or water vapor is the orienting factor
hydrotropic
ˌhī-drə-ˈtrō-pik How to pronounce hydrotropism (audio) -ˈträ- How to pronounce hydrotropism (audio)
adjective

Word History

Etymology

probably borrowed from German Hydrotropismus, from hydro- hydro- + -tropismus -tropism

First Known Use

circa 1882, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hydrotropism was circa 1882

Rhymes for hydrotropism

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Browse Nearby Words

hydrotrope
hydrotropism
hydrotungstite
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hydrotropism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hydrotropism. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.

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Kids Definition

hydrotropism

noun
hy·​drot·​ro·​pism hī-ˈdrä-trə-ˌpiz-əm How to pronounce hydrotropism (audio)
: a tropism (as in plant roots) in which water or water vapor causes the movement
hydrotropic
ˌhī-drə-ˈtrō-pik How to pronounce hydrotropism (audio)
-ˈträp-ik
adjective

Medical Definition

hydrotropism

noun
hy·​dro·​tro·​pism hī-ˈdrä-trə-ˌpiz-əm; ˌhī-drə-ˈtrō-ˌpiz-əm How to pronounce hydrotropism (audio) -ˈträ- How to pronounce hydrotropism (audio)
: a tropism in which water or water vapor is the orienting factor

More from Merriam-Webster on hydrotropism

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hydrotropism

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