1. to cast off or shed a body part (such as a tail or limb) as a defense mechanism or in response to injury
Usage: biology; third person singular present tense of autotomize

Examples

• When threatened, the lizard autotomizes its tail to escape from predators.
• The starfish autotomizes an arm if it becomes trapped or severely damaged.
• Many species of geckos autotomize their tails as a survival strategy.
• The salamander autotomizes its limbs when caught by a predator.
• Some crustaceans autotomize their legs to free themselves from danger.