noun

autotomy

aw-TOT-uh-mee

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Autotomy (noun) means the automatic shedding of a body part, such as a tail or limb, that some animals use to escape a predator. Example: “Some lizards use autotomy to drop their tails when a predator grabs them.”

noun

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

"Some lizards use autotomy to drop their tails when a predator grabs them."

"Autotomy lets certain crabs cast off a trapped claw and scuttle to safety."

"The starfish regrew the arm it had lost through autotomy."

How to use autotomy

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishIt is when an animal deliberately drops part of its own body, like a tail, to get away from danger.

When to use it

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

Memory tip

Remember the auto- part: the animal does this to itself, on purpose.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

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

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “autotomy” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Some lizards use _____ to drop their tails when a predator grabs them.

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.

Origin: Greek

Rhymes for autotomy

roomy gloomy sodomy economy anatomy taxonomy antinomy autonomy lobotomy dichotomy astronomy colostomy

See all rhymes for 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.

What is the meaning of autotomy?

"autotomy" (noun) means the automatic shedding of a body part, such as a tail or limb, that some animals use to escape a predator.