Definition

Adjective 1. Having a constant, internally regulated body temperature: Describes animals (mammals and birds) that maintain a stable, warm body temperature regardless of the external environment. This is a biological characteristic. 2. Passionate or ardent: Used figuratively to describe a person who is enthusiastic, emotional, or fervent in their feelings or actions.

Usage and Examples

• Literal (Biological):
  • Mammals and birds are warm-blooded animals.
  • Unlike reptiles, a warm-blooded creature needs to eat more frequently to fuel its internal heating system.
• Figurative (Describing People):
  • She gave a warm-blooded performance that moved the entire audience.
  • He is known for his warm-blooded and generous nature.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in contrast to "cold-blooded" (ectothermic), which describes animals like reptiles and fish whose body temperature changes with their surroundings.
• In figurative use, it implies a capacity for strong, lively emotion, as opposed to being cold, detached, or unfeeling.

Variants and Related Words

• Warm-bloodedness (noun): The quality or state of being warm-blooded.
  • The evolution of warm-bloodedness was a major step for mammals.
• Endothermic (adjective, scientific synonym): Technically meaning "heat from within," often used interchangeably with "warm-blooded" in biology.

Synonyms

• Literal: Endothermic, homeothermic.
• Figurative: Passionate, ardent, fervent, emotional, spirited, enthusiastic.

Antonyms

• Literal: Cold-blooded, ectothermic, poikilothermic.
• Figurative: Cold, unfeeling, detached, apathetic, dispassionate.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• To be warm-blooded: Used to state the characteristic.
  • As a human, you are naturally warm-blooded.
• Figuratively, the word itself functions like an idiom when applied to people, suggesting a "hot" or lively temperament.

Adjective

1. having warm blood (in animals whose body temperature is internally regulated)