1. of or relating to an animal that regulates its body temperature by absorbing heat from its surroundings rather than generating it internally
Usage: biology term; also called cold-blooded

Examples

• Snakes are ectothermic animals that bask in the sun to warm up.
• Ectothermic reptiles depend on external heat sources to maintain their body temperature.
• Unlike mammals, lizards are ectothermic and become sluggish in cold weather.
• Fish are ectothermic creatures that adjust their metabolism based on water temperature.
• The ectothermic nature of frogs means they are most active during warm months.
• Ectothermic animals often have slower metabolic rates than endothermic ones.