autotomy

[aw-tot-uh-mee]

noun

plural

autotomies 

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

Other Word Forms

• autotomic adjective
• autotomous adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of autotomy¹

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

Example Sentences

Scorpions can detach a body part to escape a predator — a process called autotomy.

From Seattle Times

At a time when body autotomy and rights are threatened daily, thousands of fertility patients have not been safe in their own doctors' offices.

From Salon

The ability to drop appendages is known as autotomy, or self-amputation.

From New York Times

In most animals and even some sea slugs, autotomy is thought to serve only as a means of avoiding predation.

From New York Times

"We think that very old ones gain little merit from autotomy, as they probably cannot reproduce," Mitoh said.

From Scientific American