autotomy

What is the opposite of autotomy? Here is what we hold, with its meaning and related words.

Noun — The automatic shedding of a body part, such as a tail or limb, that some animals use to escape a predator.

We haven't recorded synonyms for autotomy yet. You can still read its full definition, where it comes from, or words that rhyme with it.

How to use autotomy

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

undergo autotomy tail autotomy autotomy as a defence mechanism capable of autotomy

This is a specialist zoology term, rarely used outside scientific writing.

Etymology

Autotomy is built from the prefix auto-, meaning self, joined to -tomy, meaning a cutting. The word followed the pattern of the earlier German Autotomie and French autotomie.

Full origin of autotomy →

Frequently asked questions

What does autotomy mean?

It is the ability of an animal to deliberately shed part of its own body, usually to escape danger.

Which animals use autotomy?

It is best known in invertebrates and in lizards, which can drop a tail or limb when caught by a predator.

Is autotomy the same as losing a limb by injury?

No, autotomy is a controlled, self-triggered release rather than an accidental loss.

Nearby words

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