autophagousMed.|ɔːˈtɒfəgəs| [f.Gr. αὐτοϕάγ-ος (f. αὐτο- self + ϕαγ-εῖν to eat) + -ous.] Self-devouring. autophagy|ɔːˈtɒfədʒɪ|[cf. F. autophagie], the feeding upon oneself, sustenance of life during the process of starvation by absorption of the tissues of the body. 1881in Syd. Soc.Lex.