Thigmotaxis \Thig`mo*tax"is\, n. [NL., fr. Gr. ? touch + ? an arranging.] (Physiol.) The property possessed by living protoplasm of contracting, and thus moving, when touched by a solid or fluid substance. Note: When the movement is away from the touching body, it is {negative thigmotaxis}; when towards it, {positive thigmotaxis}.