autotomy

noun

au·​tot·​o·​my ȯ-ˈtä-tə-mē 

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

autotomous

ȯ-ˈtä-tə-məs 

adjective

autotomize

ȯ-ˈtä-tə-ˌmīz 

verb

Examples of autotomy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Without the injection, autotomy was seen mostly in animals that had arms that were clamped closest to the autotomy plane. —Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 14 Sep. 2024

Two exclusive features only found in the autotomy plane allow this structure to break. —Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 14 Sep. 2024

Over the course of the study, five of 15 E. marginata decapitated themselves, a behavior known as autotomy. —David Shultz, Science | AAAS, 8 Mar. 2021

Economy of arm autotomy in the mesopelagic squid Octopoteuthis deletron. —Ed Yong, Discover Magazine, 1 Aug. 2012

For scorpions, tail autotomy is even more punishing. —Bradley Allf, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 Mar. 2021

Leopard geckos are one of a few lizard species that possess this self-amputation ability, known as autotomy. —Jason G. Goldman, Scientific American, 1 Dec. 2017

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French autotomie, from auto- auto- + -tomie -tomy

Note: The term was introduced by the Belgian physiologist Léon Fredericq (1851-1935) in "Sur l'autotomie ou mutilation par voie réflexe comme moyen de défense chez les animaux," Archives de zoologie expérimentale et générale, deuxième série, tome premier (1883), pp. 413-26.

First Known Use

1887, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

autotomy

noun

au·​tot·​o·​my ȯ-ˈtät-ə-mē 

plural autotomies

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