Gravigrade

/ˈɡrævɪɡreɪd/ adjective

Definition

Moving or walking primarily under the influence of gravitational forces, or capable of locomotion adapted to gravity conditions.

Etymology

Directly from Latin 'gravis' (heavy, weighty) combined with 'gradus' (a step or degree of movement). The term is a modern scientific construction used in theoretical biology and physics.

Kelly Says

This word reveals how scientists create terms to imagine biology in alien worlds—on a planet with different gravity, creatures would need to be 'gravigrade' in entirely different ways, which is why we need new vocabulary to think about it.

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