Geotropism

2 definitions found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Geotropism \Ge*ot"ro*pism\, n. [Gr. ge`a, gh^, the earth + ? to
     turn.] (Biol.)
     A disposition to turn or incline towards the earth; the
     influence of gravity in determining the direction of growth
     of an organ.
     [1913 Webster]


  
     Note: In plants, organs which grow towards the center of the
           earth are said to be positively geotropic, and those
           growing in the opposite direction negatively geotropic.
           In animals, geotropism is supposed by some to have an
           influence either direct or indirect on the plane of
           division of the ovum.
           [1913 Webster]

From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:

  geotropism
       n : an orienting response to gravity