taxis
1 of 2noun
tax·is ˈtak-səs 
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
-taxis
2 of 2noun combining form
plural -taxes
1
: arrangement : ordering
thermotaxis
2
: physiological taxis
chemotaxis
Word History
Etymology
Noun
borrowed from German Taxis, borrowed from Greek táxis "drawing up in rank and file, order of battle, arrangement, order," from tag-, stem of tássein (Attic táttein) "to draw up in order (as troops, ships), post, station, place in order, prescribe, assess" + -sis -sis — more at tactic entry 2
Noun combining form
borrowed from Greek táxis "arrangement, disposition, order" — more at taxis
First Known Use
Noun
1899, in the meaning defined at sense 1
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
taxis 1 of 2
noun
variants also taxies
as in cabs
an automobile that carries passengers for a fare usually determined by the distance traveled couldn't hail a taxi so I had to run in the rain to make my appointment Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- cabs
- taxicabs
- limousines
- hacks
- rickshaws
- jitneys
- water taxis
- hackneys
- rickshas
- gypsy cabs
- gharries
taxis
2 of 2verb
variants or taxies
as in chauffeurs
Synonyms & Similar Words
- chauffeurs
- automobiles
- rides
- hacks
- joyrides
- wheels
- motors
- races
- tools
- rolls
- drives
- drags