poi·kil·o·therm (poi-k l  -thûrm )n. An organism, such as a fish or reptile, having a body temperature that varies with the temperature of its surroundings; an ectotherm. [Greek poikilos, spotted, various; see peig- in Indo-European roots + -therm.] poi ki·lo·thermi·a (-thûrm -) n.poi ki·lo·thermic (-mk) adj. |
poikilothermic [ˌpɔɪkɪləʊˈθɜːmɪk], poikilothermal [ˌpɔɪkɪləʊˈθɜːməl]
adj
(Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Zoology) (of all animals except birds and mammals) having a body temperature that varies with the temperature of the surroundings Compare homoiothermic
[from Greek poikilos various + thermal]
poikilothermism , poikilothermy n
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Adj. | 1. | poikilothermic - of animals except birds and mammals; having body temperature that varies with the environment cold-blooded - having cold blood (in animals whose body temperature is not internally regulated) |
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