Definitions

from The Century Dictionary.

  • Of a nature to warn or alarm; serving to warn or alarm enemies: noting characteristics of organisms which, when displayed, effect this.

from the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English.

  • adjective (Zoöl.) Having or designating conspicuous or warning colors or structures indicative of special means of defense against enemies, as in the skunk.

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • adjective zoology That serves as a warning to predators, as of toxicity, especially falsely.

Etymologies

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License

apo- +‎ sematic

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Examples

Comments

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  • Evade an importunate Claus

    Who rings for some nebulous cause

    With a scowl so emphatic

    It's aposematic.

    Escape in his stunned silent pause.

    December 20, 2016