1.
cold-blooded animal; poikilotherm; ectotherm
An animal whose body temperature varies with the surrounding environment, such as reptiles, amphibians, and fish.
Compound of 変 (changing) + 温 (temperature) + 動物 (animal). A biology term contrasted with 恒温動物 (warm-blooded animal).
Common collocations
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