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
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
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
Economy of arm autotomy in the mesopelagic squid Octopoteuthis deletron.
—Ed Yong, Discover Magazine, 1 Aug. 2012
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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
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
Economy of arm autotomy in the mesopelagic squid Octopoteuthis deletron.
—Ed Yong, Discover Magazine, 1 Aug. 2012
Cite this Entry
“Autotomy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/autotomy. Accessed 30 Oct. 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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