warm-blooded

This term describes a biological capability for thermoregulation, creating a sharp distinction between endothermic organisms and ectothermic ones. It carries a connotation of biological complexity and independence, as the organism does not rely on external heat sources to maintain metabolic functions.

In a figurative sense, the term is occasionally used to describe a person who is compassionate, affectionate, or emotionally responsive. This usage contrasts with being cold-blooded, which in a psychological context implies a lack of empathy or a calculated, ruthless nature.