galvanotaxis Biol.
(ˌgælvənəʊˈtæksɪs)
[mod.L., f. galvano- + Gr. τάξις arrangement.]
The disposition exhibited by certain organisms of movement in relation to the direction of an electric current or field. Hence ˌgalvanoˈtactic a.
| 1899 F. S. Lee tr. Verworn's Gen. Physiol. v. 455 Galvanotaxis. It is characteristic of the galvanic current that it always calls out phenomena of polar excitation. 1905 Galvanotactic [see anodic a. 3]. 1961 New Scientist 3 Aug. 278 The voltage gradient across the width of the fish is sufficient to induce galvanotaxis and turn it in the direction of the positive electrode. 1965 Ibid. 29 Apr. 303/1 The orientation of the whole organism during exposure to direct current—the phenomenon known as ‘galvanotactic’ or ‘electrotactic’ response. |