Kinesis

Pronunciation
/ki-NEE-sis/
Category
Behavior
Singular
Kinesis
Plural
Kineses

Definition

A class of orientation behavior characterized by undirected movements in which the frequency of turning (klinokinesis) or speed of movement (orthokinesis) is related to the intensity of the stimulation.

Etymology

From Greek 'kinesis', meaning 'movement'.

Example

Kinesis allows organisms to move away from a potentially harmful stimulus.

Related Terms

  • Movement
  • Stimulation