1.
cold-blooded animal; poikilotherm; ectotherm
An animal whose body temperature varies with the surrounding environment, such as reptiles, amphibians, and fish.
蛇は変温動物だ。
Snakes are cold-blooded animals.
変温動物は気温に合わせて体温が変わる。
A cold-blooded animal's body temperature changes with the air temperature.
冬になると、多くの変温動物は冬眠や活動低下に入る。
When winter comes, many cold-blooded animals enter hibernation or reduced activity.
Compound of 変 (changing) + 温 (temperature) + 動物 (animal). A biology term contrasted with 恒温動物 (warm-blooded animal).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 変温動物の体温: a cold-blooded animal's body temperature
- 変温動物の特徴: characteristics of cold-blooded animals
SIMILAR / CONTRASTING WORDS:
- 恒温動物: warm-blooded animal — maintains constant body temperature internally (mammals, birds)
- 冷血動物: older, less scientific term for cold-blooded animals; can also be used figuratively for a callous person