What does homoiothermal mean?
Homoiothermal is a technical adjective describing an animal that maintains a relatively constant internal body temperature. Its temperature remains stable through physiological processes that balance heat produced by metabolism with heat lost to the environment. This distinguishes homoiothermal animals, including most birds and mammals, from ectothermic animals such as reptiles and many fish, whose body temperatures largely follow surrounding conditions. The word is accurate but uncommon; homeothermic is now the usual scientific synonym, while warm-blooded is familiar but less precise. Homoiothermal can also be used more broadly for any system that maintains a stable temperature, though its principal application is biological. The term is most useful in zoology, comparative physiology, ecology, and discussions of thermoregulation.
adjectiveHaving a body temperature that remains relatively constant, especially in response to changes in environmental temperature. Also known as homeothermic.
- Having a relatively constant internal body temperature despite changes in environmental temperature.
- Characterized by a stable temperature maintained by physiological heat-production and heat-loss regulation.
"Most birds and mammals are homoiothermal animals."
"The researcher measured the homoiothermal responses of several mammals during a rapid change in temperature."
"Homoiothermal vertebrates generally require more food because maintaining body temperature demands considerable energy."
A homoithermal animal keeps its internal temperature remarkably steady, even when the world around it changes.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does homoiothermal come from?
The word combines a form of Greek homoi(os), meaning “same” or “similar,” with Greek thermos, meaning “heat,” and the suffix -al. The same components appear in the more familiar cognate homeothermic, which uses the Latinized form homeo- instead of homoi-. Both terms ultimately express the idea of maintaining a uniform temperature.
Related word forms
How homoiothermal is actually used
This is a specialized and relatively uncommon term. In general biology and zoology, homeothermic is preferred, while warm-blooded remains informal and can be potentially misleading.
Easily confused with homoiothermal
Homoiothermal and homeothermic are close synonyms, but homeothermic is the more common modern term.
A homoiothermal organism maintains a relatively stable body temperature, whereas a poikilothermic organism's body temperature varies with its surroundings.