Thigmotaxis

‖n. [ NL., fr. Gr. &unr_; touch + &unr_; an arranging. ] (Physiol.) The property possessed by living protoplasm of contracting, and thus moving, when touched by a solid or fluid substance.

☞ When the movement is away from the touching body, it is negative thigmotaxis; when towards it, positive thigmotaxis. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]