autotomy, autotomic 1. The spontaneous casting off of a limb or other body part, such as the tail of certain lizards or the claw of a lobster, especially when the organism is injured or under attack. 2. The separation of a body part. 3. The self-amputation of a damaged or trapped appendage. 4. The performance of surgery upon oneself. Found on http://www.wordinfo.info/words/index/info/view_unit/262/17