stigmergy

Questions

What does stigmergy mean?

A mechanism of spontaneous, indirect coordination between agents or actions, where the trace left in the environment by an action stimulates the performance of a subsequent action.

Where does stigmergy come from?

Coined in 1959 by French biologist Pierre-Paul Grassé in reference to termite behaviour, from the Ancient Greek στίγμα (stígma, “mark”, “sign”) + ἔργον (érgon, “work”, “action”).

How to pronounce stigmergy

1. Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “stigmergy”.
2. Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling () so you know which sounds to aim for.
3. Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “stigmergy”.
4. Repeat and practice — Say “stigmergy” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.