autotomy

[ aw-tot-uh-mee ]

noun

, plural au·tot·o·mies.

1. Zoology.
   1. separation of a body part.
   2. self-amputation of a damaged or trapped appendage.
2. the performance of surgery upon oneself.

autotomy

/ ɔːˈtɒtəmɪ; ˌɔːtəˈtɒmɪk /

noun

1. the casting off by an animal of a part of its body, to facilitate escape when attacked

Derived Forms

• autotomic, adjective

Other Words From

• au·to·tom·ic [aw-t, uh, -, tom, -ik], au·toto·mous adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of autotomy¹

First recorded in 1895–1900; auto- ¹ + -tomy

Example Sentences

Such is the adaptive device—more reflex than reflective—which is called self-mutilation or autotomy.

From Project Gutenberg

Autotomy not only permits flight, but also defends the animal against the most adverse conditions.

From Project Gutenberg