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
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
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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
Cite this Entry
“Autotomy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/autotomy. Accessed 19 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical 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
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