: a tropism (as in plant roots) in which water or water vapor is the orienting factor

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hydrotropism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hydrotropism. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

hydrotropism

noun
: a tropism (as in plant roots) in which water or water vapor causes the movement

Medical Definition

: a tropism in which water or water vapor is the orienting factor

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