thigmotaxis
noun
thig·mo·tax·is ˌthig-mə-ˈtak-səs 
: a taxis in which contact especially with a solid body is the directive factor
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web The instinct to do so is known as thigmotaxis: the tendency to move toward physical contact—in this case, not only with other stinkbugs but with almost any surface. 
Steven Strogatz, The New Yorker, 8 Aug. 2011
Steven Strogatz, The New Yorker, 8 Aug. 2011 Word History
Etymology
probably borrowed from German Thigmotaxis, from thigmo- (in Thigmotropismus thigmotropism) + -taxis -taxis
First Known Use
circa 1900, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
thigmotaxis
noun
thig·mo·tax·is ˌthig-mə-ˈtak-səs
plural thigmotaxes -ˌsēz
: a taxis in which contact especially with a solid body is the directive factor