aposematic

[ ap-uh-suh-mat-ik ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adjective

, Zoology.

colored or constructed in a way that indicates special capabilities for defense.

aposematic

/ ˌæpəsɪˈmætɪk /

(of the coloration of certain distasteful or poisonous animals) characterized by bright conspicuous markings, which predators recognize and learn to avoid; warning

First recorded in 1885–90; apo- + sematic

C19: from apo- + Greek sēma sign

The object being to warn an enemy off, these colours are also called aposematic.

In 734 synaposematic colouring the warning is genuine, in pseud-aposematic it is a sham.

April 19, 2024tortuous

[tawr-choo-uhs ]

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