Definition

To shed or lose a body part as a self-defense mechanism, often seen in certain animals.

Example

Some lizards can autotomize their tails to escape predators.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you know some lizards can autotomize their tails to escape predators?

Really? That sounds pretty wild!

Yeah, it's a survival tactic they use when they feel threatened.

That's fascinating! Nature has some amazing tricks, doesn't it?

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Autotomize → It is formed from "auto-" (meaning self) and "tomize" (from Greek "temnein", meaning to cut). The word describes the process of self-cutting or shedding a part of oneself, often seen in certain animals as a defense mechanism.

Memory Tip

Think of 'self' ('auto-') and 'cutting' ('tomize') to remember that 'autotomize' means to cut off a part of oneself.

Visually Confused Words