autotomousadj.
/ɔːˈtɒtəməs/, U.S. /ɔˈtɑdəməs/, /ɑˈtɑdəməs/ Zoology.
Relating to or involving autotomy; of the nature of autotomy; = autotomic adj. 2.
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autotomous1898
1898 Proc. Zool. Soc. 1897 911 The autotomous break occurs between femur and coxa.
1938 Biol. Bull. 75 472 This detachment of portions of the siphons seems to be partially autotomous.
1979 Amer. Zoologist 19 1148/2 Tail break frequency can be used as an index of predation intensity in lizards with autonomous tails.
2006 Jrnl. Exper. Zool. A. 305 965 One of the most important steps following a successful autotomous escape involves regeneration of the lost limb.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2011; most recently modified version published online December 2021).
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adj.1898