Detailed data on the momentum-resolved temperature dependence of the s
uperconducting gap of Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+x are presented, complemented by s
imilar data on the intensity of the photoemission superconducting cond
ensate spectral area. The gap anisotropy between the Gamma-(M) over ba
r and Gamma-X directions increases markedly with increasing temperatur
e, contrary to what happens for conventional anisotropic-gap supercond
uctors, such as lead. Specifically, the size of the superconducting ga
p along the Gamma-X direction decreases to values indistinguishable fr
om zero at temperatures for which the gap retains virtually full value
along the Gamma-(M) over bar direction. These data rule out the simpl
est type of d-wave order parameter.