ectotherm

noun

ec·​to·​therm ˈek-tə-ˌthərm How to pronounce ectotherm (audio)
: a cold-blooded animal : poikilotherm
ectothermic adjective

Examples of ectotherm in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Hammerheads are ectotherms—or cold-blooded creatures—which means their body temperatures are regulated by their environment. Margaret Osborne, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 May 2023 For instance, brumation comes as an advantage for ectotherms’ longevity. Sofia Quaglia, Discover Magazine, 24 Feb. 2023 Seabird populations have declined so much over time, there are simply not enough birds to recreate it, says Kevin Graham, associate curator of birds and ectotherms at Dallas Zoo and coordinator of the African Penguin Nest Project. Story, CNN, 23 Feb. 2023 Pond water temperatures remain quite stable over the winter and an ectotherm sitting in that water will have a similarly stable body temperature. Jacqueline Litzgus, Discover Magazine, 22 Nov. 2017 As an ectotherm — an animal that relies on an external source of heat — a turtle’s body temperature tracks that of its environment. Jacqueline Litzgus, Discover Magazine, 22 Nov. 2017 Fish are ectotherms, which means their body temperature relies very much on the temperature of the water around them. Jacqueline Detwiler, Popular Mechanics, 10 Dec. 2018 Because reptiles are ectotherms, their body temperature is controlled by whatever’s around them, says Refsnider. Jason Bittel, National Geographic, 20 June 2017

Word History

First Known Use

1940, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ectotherm was in 1940

Dictionary Entries Near ectotherm

Cite this Entry

“Ectotherm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ectotherm. Accessed 24 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

ectotherm

noun
ec·​to·​therm ˈek-tə-ˌthərm How to pronounce ectotherm (audio)
: a cold-blooded animal : poikilotherm

Medical Definition

ectotherm

noun
ec·​to·​therm ˈek-tə-ˌthərm How to pronounce ectotherm (audio)
: a cold-blooded animal : poikilotherm
ectothermic adjective
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