autotomy
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au·tot·o·my

noun \-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 \-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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