Autolytus

noun

Au·​tol·​y·​tus

ȯˈtälətəs

: a genus of marine annelids (family Syllidae) that reproduce asexually by producing numerous new segments at a point near the posterior end, each of which develops into a new individual but remains attached for a time, a long chain of worms being thus formed

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from aut- + Greek lytos capable of being unfastened or dissolved, verbal of lyein to unfasten, dissolve, break up into parts

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