1. of or relating to autotomy; capable of or involving the automatic shedding or casting off of a body part as a defense mechanism
Usage: biology; zoology

Examples

• The lizard's autotomic tail detaches when a predator grabs it.
• Many crustaceans possess autotomic limbs that they can shed to escape danger.
• The starfish exhibits autotomic regeneration, losing and regrowing arms as needed.
• Autotomic defense is an evolutionary adaptation found in numerous invertebrate species.
• The gecko's autotomic response allows it to survive encounters with predators.