What does kinesis mean?
Kinesis means movement, especially the spontaneous or nondirected movement of a living organism in response to a stimulus. An organism exhibiting kinesis may move more quickly, slow down, or change its activity depending on conditions such as light, temperature, or humidity, without necessarily moving toward or away from the source. In biology, it is commonly contrasted with taxis, which is movement in a particular direction. The word comes from a Greek root meaning movement and is especially associated with the study of animal and plant behavior. More broadly, kinesis can refer to movement or activity as such, though this use is relatively uncommon outside technical contexts. The concept is useful because it distinguishes merely being in motion from moving with a clear direction, making kinesis particularly valuable in discussions of stimulus-response behavior.
nounMovement, especially the nondirected movement of an organism in response to a stimulus. The term is used chiefly in biology and is often contrasted with taxis, movement in a particular direction.
- Nondirected movement or activity, especially movement made by an organism in response to a stimulus.
- Movement or change of position in general.
"The microorganism displayed kinesis by moving more rapidly as the light intensity increased."
"The amoeba showed kinesis, becoming more active as the water warmed."
"Her restless kinesis made it difficult for the photographer to keep her in frame."
The plural is kineses, although the word is uncommon outside specialized writing.
"The researchers compared several types of kinesis under changing light conditions."
Move without choosing a destination: that is the essence of kinesis.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of kinesis
Kinesis comes from the Greek noun kínēsis, meaning movement or motion, which is derived from the verb kineîn, “to move.” The word entered English through modern scientific usage and became especially important in biology and psychology. Its relatives include kinetic, kinetics, and kinesics, all of which reflect the same Greek root.
Related word forms
How kinesis is actually used
In biology, kinesis usually denotes movement that is not oriented toward or away from a particular direction. It is formally contrasted with taxis, which is directed movement in response to a stimulus. The general sense of movement or activity is comparatively uncommon outside technical writing.
Easily confused with kinesis
Kinesis is a type or pattern of movement, whereas kinetics is the branch of mechanics concerned with the causes and effects of motion.