poikilothermia Physiol.
(ˌpɔɪkɪləʊˈθɜːmɪə)
Also anglicized as ˈpoikilothermy.
[f. as next: see -ia1, -y3.]
The state or property of being poikilothermic. Also ˌpoikiloˈthermism (rare).
| 1903 Jrnl. Physiol. XXIX. 369 (heading) Poikilothermism in rabies. 1921 Physiol. Rev. I. 304 Increased surface blood flow promotes poikilothermia because it facilitates the conduction of heat either to or from the body. 1939 Nature 22 Apr. 684/1 Torpidity [in humming-birds] appears to be a temporary poikilothermy, rather similar to that already described for bats. 1968 D. W. Wood Princ. Animal Physiol. viii. 122 Social methods of overcoming the disadvantages of poikilothermy are also found. Larvae of the butterfly Vanessa cluster together in the cold. 1974 Nature 22 Feb. 568/1 In most newborn animals there is a physiological hypothermia and poikilothermia. |