Autotomy
Definition, Meaning & Examples
Pronunciation /ɔːˈtɒtəmi/ · Part of speech noun
Quick meaning: Autotomy is a noun meaning (chiefly zoology) The spontaneous removal of a limb, tail etc, especially by some invertebrates as a self-defense mechanism.
Meaning
(chiefly zoology) The spontaneous removal of a limb, tail etc, especially by some invertebrates as a self-defense mechanism.
Example Sentences
She has dropped it by autotomy, like the tail or claw of a fleeing lizard, lobster, or starfish.
Word Forms
- autotomies
Related Words
Related dictionary entries include caudal, tail-shedding, autogrooming, autohaemorrhaging, paradactylum, introvert.
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Sources & Attribution
FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0
Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.