autotomize

American  

[aw-tot-uh-mahyz] / ɔˈtɒt əˌmaɪz /

especially British, autotomise

verb (used without object)

autotomized, autotomizing

1. to undergo autotomy.

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verb (used with object)

autotomized, autotomizing

1. to effect autotomy of (a part).

autotomize British  

/ ɔːˈtɒtəˌmaɪz /

verb

1. to cause (a part of the body) to undergo autotomy

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Etymology

Origin of autotomize

First recorded in 1900–05; autotom(y) + -ize

Example Sentences

“Some animals can autotomize their legs or appendages or tails, but no other animal shed their whole body.”

From Seattle Times