1. of or relating to a sign or signal that conveys meaning; serving as a distinguishing mark or indicator
Usage: technical; biology/zoology
2. in biology, denoting coloration or markings that serve to identify an organism to others of its kind, especially for recognition or communication
Usage: technical; biology

Examples

• The bird's episematic plumage helps members of the species recognize each other during mating season.
• Episematic signals in animal communication often involve bright colors or distinctive patterns.
• The stripes on the zebra function as episematic markings that allow herd members to identify one another.
• Researchers studied the episematic function of the butterfly's wing patterns in species recognition.