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.
Nearby words
- autotelic,
- autotheism,
- autotimer,
- autotomic,
- autotomize,
- autotopagnosia,
- autotoxaemia,
- autotoxemia,
- autotoxicosis,
- autotoxin
Origin of autotomy
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples 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
autotomy
/ (ɔːˈtɒtəmɪ) /
noun plural -mies
the casting off by an animal of a part of its body, to facilitate escape when attacked
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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.