Autotomize is the biological process of an organism deliberately separating or shedding a body part. Synonyms for this word include self-amputation, self-mutilation, and self-severance. Autotomy is a similar term used to describe the act of self-amputation in animals. Other related words include regeneration, which is the ability of an organism to regrow lost body parts, and exuviation, which is the shedding of skin, feathers, or other external body parts. These terms are commonly used in scientific research and biology textbooks, and understanding their meanings can help students better understand the complex biological processes that occur in the natural world.