autotomy

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Definitions from WordNet

Noun autotomy has 1 sense

autotomy - spontaneous removal or casting off of a body part (as the tail of a lizard or claw or a lobster) especially when the organism is injured or under attack
--₁ is a kind of removal, remotion

Derived form: verb autotomize₁

Definitions from the Web

Autotomy

Noun: The ability of an organism to deliberately shed or detach a body part.

Example sentences:

The lizard escaped its predator by performing autotomy and leaving its tail behind.
Some species use autotomy as a defense mechanism, detaching their legs to distract predators.
Crabs have the unique ability of autotomy, allowing them to sever their claws when caught.

Related products:

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