autotomy

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. The spontaneous removal of a limb, tail etc, especially by some invertebrates as a self-defense mechanism.

Pronunciation

/ɔːˈtɒtəmi/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-autotomy.wav

Word forms

autotomy autotomies

Etymology

From auto- + -tomy, after German Autotomie or French autotomie.

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