stigmergy

Meanings

1. 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.
2. A mechanism of indirect coordination between agents or actions, in which the aftereffects of one action guide a subsequent action.

Etymology

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”).