autotomy
au·tot·o·my
noun \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
Origin of AUTOTOMY
International Scientific Vocabulary
First Known Use: 1897
au·tot·o·my
noun \ȯ-ˈtät-ə-mē\ (Medical Dictionary)plural ; au·tot·o·mies
Medical Definition of AUTOTOMY
: reflex separation of a part from the body especially in an invertebrate
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