/ɔːtəˈtɒməs/ (aw-tuh-TOM-uhs)

Definitions

1. adjective

Self-detaching or able to self-detach a part of the body as a means of defense, typically to distract a predator and escape.

“The lizard’s autotomous ability to drop its tail allowed it to evade the snake’s attack.”

2. adjective

Having the power of self-governance or self-direction.

“The company’s new policy aimed to make their software more autotomous, freeing users from constant technical support.”

3. adverb

In a self-detaching or self-governing manner.

“The software developers worked autotomously to fix the errors in the code.”