ectotherm

American  

[ek-tuh-thurm] / ˈɛk təˌθɜrm /

noun

Zoology.

1. a cold-blooded animal.

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ectotherm Scientific  

/ ĕk′tə-thûrm′ /

1. A cold-blooded organism.

2. Also called poikilotherm

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Other Word Forms

• ectothermic adjective

Etymology

Origin of ectotherm

First recorded in 1940–45; ecto- + therm

Example Sentences

"Endotherm and ectotherm vertebrates may process cognitive tasks in fundamentally different ways due to differences in brain organisation," the authors argued.

From Salon • Feb. 2, 2024

An ectotherm such as an alligator has an SMR of 60 kcal/day.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

Fort Worth Zoo ectotherm curator Diane Barber said Olaf will remain in Texas but 200 toadlets will be released in Puerto Rico.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 22, 2019

At rest, a bumblebee’s temperature varies, like that of a traditional ectotherm.

From Washington Post • Nov. 27, 2015

"Doesn't that suggest that there's an adaptive value in being either a good ectotherm or a good endotherm, but not in the middle?"

From BBC • Jun. 12, 2014