geotropically
|ge-o-trop-ic-al-ly|
🇺🇸
/ˌdʒiːoʊəˈtrɑːpɪk/
🇬🇧
/ˌdʒiːəʊəˈtrɒpɪk/
(geotropic)
turning toward the earth (by gravity)
Etymology
'geotropically' originates from Greek, specifically the elements 'gē' and 'tropos', where 'gē' meant 'earth' and 'tropos' meant 'a turning'.
'geotropically' developed from the scientific coinages 'geotropism' and the adjective 'geotropic' (late 19th century), and was later formed into the adverb 'geotropically' in modern English usage.
Initially it referred to 'turning toward the earth' in descriptions of plant movement; over time it broadened to mean 'in a manner influenced or directed by gravity' in biological contexts.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adverb 1
in a manner related to geotropism; responding to or oriented by gravity (i.e., toward or away from the earth).
The seedlings oriented themselves geotropically, with roots growing downward and shoots upward.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/12/11 09:48