warm-blooded
Meaning
(of an animal) having a body temperature that remains relatively constant and warm, typically higher than the environment, regardless of the outside temperature.
(figurative) passionate, ardent, or lively in temperament.
Structure
Usage
birds and mammals are warm-blooded animals, maintaining a constant internal temperature.
the scientist studied the metabolism of warm-blooded creatures in arctic conditions.
her warm-blooded enthusiasm for the project inspired the entire team.
Etymology
The compound adjective "warm-blooded" is a transparent formation from two native English elements. The Old English root wearm (warm) is of Germanic origin, ultimately from the pie root gʷʰer- meaning "warm, hot". The Old English blōd (blood) also has Germanic roots, likely from pie bhel- meaning "to thrive, bloom". The term was constructed in English to literally describe creatures "having warm blood," a physiological trait distinguishing mammals and birds from reptiles and fish. This literal meaning later extended metaphorically to describe humans with passionate or lively dispositions, completing the journey from a concrete physical description to an abstract character trait.
Analysis
warm: from old english wearm, meaning having or giving a moderate degree of heat. blood: from old english blōd, meaning the red liquid circulating in the arteries and veins. ed: a suffix forming adjectives from nouns, meaning having or provided with.