autotomy
[ aw-tot-uh-mee ]
/ ɔˈtɒt ə mi /
noun, plural au·tot·o·mies.
Zoology.
- separation of a body part.
- self-amputation of a damaged or trapped appendage.
the performance of surgery upon oneself.
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OTHER WORDS FROM autotomy
au·to·tom·ic [aw-tuh-tom-ik] /ˌɔ təˈtɒm ɪk/, au·tot·o·mous, adjectiveWords nearby autotomy
autostrada, autosuggestion, autotelic, autotimer, autotomize, autotomy, autotopagnosia, autotoxaemia, autotoxemia, autotoxicosis, autotoxin
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020
Example sentences from the Web for autotomy
Such is the adaptive device—more reflex than reflective—which is called self-mutilation or autotomy.
The Outline of Science, Vol. 1 (of 4)|J. Arthur ThomsonAutotomy not only permits flight, but also defends the animal against the most adverse conditions.
The Human Side of Animals|Royal Dixon
British Dictionary definitions for autotomy
autotomy
/ (ɔːˈtɒtəmɪ) /
noun plural -mies
the casting off by an animal of a part of its body, to facilitate escape when attacked
Derived forms of autotomy
autotomic (ˌɔːtəˈtɒmɪk), adjectiveCollins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Medical definitions for autotomy
autotomy
[ ô-tŏt′ə-mē ]
n.
The spontaneous casting off of a body part, especially of an invertebrate, when injured or under attack.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.