poikilothermic

[ poi-kuh-loh-thur-mik, poi-kil-uh- ]

adjective

, Zoology.

1. cold-blooded ( def 1 ) ( homoiothermal ).

poikilothermic

/ ˌpɔɪkɪləʊˈθɜːməl; ˌpɔɪkɪləʊˈθɜːmɪk /

adjective

1. (of all animals except birds and mammals) having a body temperature that varies with the temperature of the surroundings Compare homoiothermic

Derived Forms

• ˌpoikiloˈthermism, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of poikilothermic¹

1880–85; < Greek poikílo ( s ) various + thermic

Word History and Origins

Origin of poikilothermic¹

C19: from Greek poikilos various + thermal