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Glite Dictionary
aposematic

aposematic

9.9
Having bright colors or patterns that warn other animals not to eat it
  • adjective
  • /ˌæpəˈsɛmætɪk/
  • Specialized
translation icon : aposemático
  • Many insects, such as the monarch butterfly, exhibit aposematic patterns that signal their toxicity to birds.

Examples

  • The vivid markings on some snakes serve as aposematic coloration, indicating they are dangerous to eat.

  • The bright colors of the poison dart frog are a clear example of aposematic warning to potential predators.

  • KELSA: Some animals use aposematic signals which basically means you survive by serving looks.

    Anything's Possible (2022)

Antonyms

drab
23 4.2

Not bright or colorful and not lively

Compounds

aposematic coloration
  • Specialized
9.1

Bright colors on an animal that warn predators it is poisonous or dangerous to eat

How Conspicuous

aposematic
  • Specialized
9.9
conspicuous
55 5.1
noticeable
65 3.2
plain
50 2.5
cryptic
43 8.1

Surface Forms

aposematic positive

Morphology

aposematic = apo + sema + ic

Formed from Greek combining elements (apo- + sema + -ic) that are not productive or familiar to average learners, so the meaning 'warning coloration' cannot be derived from the parts by typical learners.

Etymology

Aposematic comes from Greek parts apo- ('away') and sema ('sign'), so it is like a 'sign that says stay away'. That's why animals with bright aposematic colors use those colors as a warning to other animals not to eat them.