autotomy

noun au·tot·o·my \ȯ-ˈtä-tə-mē\

Definition of AUTOTOMY

: reflex separation of a part (as an appendage) from the body : division of the body into two or more pieces

— au·tot·o·mous \-məs\ adjective

— au·tot·o·mize \-ˌmīz\ verb

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use: 1887

Medical Dictionary

noun au·tot·o·my \ȯ-ˈtät-ə-mē\

plural au·tot·o·mies

: reflex separation of a part from the body especially in an invertebrate

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