aposematic

[ap-uh-suh-mat-ik] /ˌæp ə səˈmæt ɪk/
adjective, Zoology
1.
colored or constructed in a way that indicates special capabilities for defense.
Origin
1885-90; apo- + sematic
Related forms
aposematically, adverb
Examples from the web for aposematic
  • Any signal can be aposematic, and it doesn't have to be garish, or even conspicuous.
  • aposematic colors, as they're known, tend to cover the whole body.
  • Conspicuous coloration and wing flicking behavior are aposematic warnings to potential predators.
British Dictionary definitions for aposematic

aposematic

/ˌæpəsɪˈmætɪk/
adjective
1.
(of the coloration of certain distasteful or poisonous animals) characterized by bright conspicuous markings, which predators recognize and learn to avoid; warning
Word Origin
C19: from apo- + Greek sēma sign