Definition

Describing an organism whose body temperature changes with the temperature of its environment.

Example

Reptiles are poikilothermic animals that rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature.

Conversation

Did you know that some animals are poikilothermic?

Really? What does that mean exactly?

It means their body temperature changes with the environment.

That’s interesting! I wonder how they survive in different climates.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Poikilothermic → It is formed from "poikilos" (from Greek, meaning varied or changing) and "thermos" (from Greek, meaning heat). The word describes organisms that have a variable body temperature that changes with the environment.

Memory Tip

Think of 'varied' ('poikilos') temperatures in animals that adapt to their surroundings — that's what poikilothermic means.

Visually Confused Words