aposematically
|a-po-se-mat-i-cal-ly|
/ˌeɪpəˈsɛmætɪk/
(aposematic)
warning signal/colouration
Etymology
'aposematic' originates from Modern Latin/Greek formation, ultimately from Greek 'apo-' meaning 'away from' and 'sēma' meaning 'sign'.
'aposematic' was formed in scientific usage in the 19th and early 20th centuries (from New Latin/Modern Greek roots) to describe 'warning sign' coloration in animals and gave rise to the adverb 'aposematically'.
Initially coined to describe a signaling 'sign' (from Greek roots), the term developed into a biological descriptor specifically meaning 'warning coloration' and is now used broadly in ecology and evolutionary biology.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the biological strategy of using conspicuous colors or markings to warn predators of an organism's unpalatability or toxicity ('aposematism').
Aposematism is common among toxic frogs and brightly colored insects.
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Adjective 1
having bright, conspicuous coloration or markings that serve as a warning signal to predators (aposematic).
Many poisonous insects are aposematic, with bold colors that signal danger.
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Adverb 1
in a manner that uses conspicuous coloration or markings to warn predators of unpalatability or danger (derived from 'aposematic').
The frog advertises its toxicity aposematically, making it easy for predators to learn to avoid it.
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Last updated: 2025/09/21 19:08