— autotomic /aw'teuh tom"ik/ , autotomous , adj.
/aw tot"euh mee/ , n. , pl. autotomies .
1. Zool.
a. separation of a body part.
b. self-amputation of a damaged or trapped appendage.
2. the performance of surgery upon oneself.
[ 1895-1900; AUTO- 1 + -TOMY ]