Definition

Describing an organism that can shed a part of its body, usually as a defense mechanism.

Example

Some lizards are autotomized, allowing them to escape predators by losing their tails.

Conversation

Did you know some lizards can be autotomized?

Really? I had no idea that was a thing!

Yeah, it helps them escape from predators.

That's so interesting! Nature has some amazing tricks.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Autotomized → It is formed from "auto-" (meaning self) and "tomize" (from Greek "temnein", meaning to cut). The word refers to 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 'autotomized' means to cut off a part of oneself.

Visually Confused Words