Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

poikilothermic

Adjective
/ˌpɔɪ.kɪl.oʊˈθɜːr.mɪk/
Definition
Relating to animals whose body temperature varies with the temperature of their environment.
Examples
  • Reptiles are poikilothermic, often basking in the sun to warm up.
  • Fish and amphibians are also considered poikilothermic creatures.
Meaning
Poikilothermic creatures, commonly known as cold-blooded animals, cannot regulate their internal body temperature and depend on external sources for warmth.
Synonyms
  • Cold-blooded
  • Homoiothermic (antonym, for warm-blooded)