phragmosis

/ˌfræɡˈmoʊsɪs/

Definitions

1. noun

the habit of defending oneself by inflating the body, typically by filling the body cavity with air or gas, as exhibited by certain insects

“The bombardier beetle’s unique behavior of phragmosis helps it protect itself from predators.”

Synonyms

  • bloat defense
  • inflation defense

Antonyms

  • body exposure
  • expansion vulnerability