having the capability of starting, operating, moving, etc., independently: an automatic sprinkler system; an automatic car wash.
2.
Physiology. occurring independently of volition, as certain muscular actions; involuntary.
3.
done unconsciously or from force of habit; mechanical: an automatic application of the brakes.
4.
occurring spontaneously: automatic enthusiasm.
5.
(of a firearm, pistol, etc.) utilizing the recoil or part of the force of the explosive to eject the spent cartridge shell, introduce a new cartridge, cock the arm, and fire it repeatedly.
—Synonyms 2.Automatic,involuntary,spontaneous all mean not under the control of the will. That which is automatic, however, is an invariable reaction to a fixed type of stimulus: The patella reflex is automatic. That which is involuntary is an unexpected response that varies according to the occasion, circumstances, mood, etc.: an involuntary cry of pain. That which is spontaneous arises from immediate stimuli and usually involves an expression of strong feeling: a spontaneous roar of laughter.
n.
Football A new or substitute offensive play called by the quarterback or a defensive formation called by a linebacker at the line of scrimmage as an adjustment to the opposing side's formation. Also called automatic.
[Late Latin audībilis, from Latin audīre, to hear; see au- in Indo-European roots.]
Acting or operating in a manner essentially independent of external influence or control: an automatic light switch; a budget deficit that triggered automatic spending cuts.
Self-regulating: an automatic washing machine.
Acting or done without volition or conscious control; involuntary: automatic shrinking of the pupils of the eyes in strong light. See Synonyms at spontaneous.
Acting or done as if by machine; mechanical: an automatic reply to a familiar question.
Capable of firing continuously until ammunition is exhausted or the trigger is released: an automatic rifle.
Semiautomatic: an automatic pistol.
Acting or done without volition or conscious control; involuntary: automatic shrinking of the pupils of the eyes in strong light. See Synonyms at spontaneous.
Acting or done as if by machine; mechanical: an automatic reply to a familiar question.
Capable of firing continuously until ammunition is exhausted or the trigger is released: an automatic rifle.
Semiautomatic: an automatic pistol.
Capable of firing continuously until ammunition is exhausted or the trigger is released: an automatic rifle.
Semiautomatic: an automatic pistol.
n.
An automatic machine or device.
An automatic firearm.
A semiautomatic firearm.
A transmission or a motor vehicle with an automatic gear-shifting mechanism.
[From Greek automatos : auto-, auto- + -matos, willing; see men-1 in Indo-European roots.]
au'to·mat'i·cal·ly adv., au'to·ma·tic'i·ty (-mə-tĭs'ĭ-tē) n.
Word History: The words automatic pilot or automatic transmission bring to mind mechanical devices that operate with minimal human intervention. Yet the word automatic, which goes back to the Greek word automatos, "acting of one's own will, self-acting, of itself," made up of two parts, auto-, "self," and -matos, "willing," is first recorded in English in 1748 with reference to motions of the body, such as the peristaltic action of the intestines: "The Motions are called automatic from their Resemblance to the Motions of Automata, or Machines, whose Principle of Motion is within themselves." Although the writer had machines in mind, automatic could be used of living things, a use we still have. The association of automatic chiefly with machinery may represent one instance of many in which we have come to see the world in mechanical terms.
1748, first used by Eng. physician and philosopher David Hartley (1705-57) in ref. to involuntary animal or human actions, from Gk. automatos "self-acting," from autos- "self" (comb. form) + matos "thinking, animated." Sense of "self-acting, having power of motion" is from 1812; especially of machinery which simulates human action from 1940. As an abbreviation of automatic pistol or gun, it is attested from 1902; meaning "car with an automatic transmission" is from 1949. Automatic teller first attested 1971. Automation was coined 1948 by Ford Motor Co. Vice President Delmar S. Harder; automate is a 1952 back-formation.
operating with minimal human intervention; independent of external control; "automatic transmission"; "a budget deficit that caused automatic spending cuts" [ant: manual]
2.
resembling the unthinking functioning of a machine; "an automatic 'thank you'"; "machinelike efficiency"
3.
without volition or conscious control; "the automatic shrinking of the pupils of the eye in strong light"; "a reflex knee jerk"; "sneezing is reflexive"
Au`to*mat"ic\, Automatical \Au`to*mat"ic*al\, a. [Cf. F. automatique. See Automaton.]1. Having an inherent power of action or motion. Nothing can be said to be automatic. --Sir H. Davy. 2. Pertaining to, or produced by, an automaton; of the nature of an automaton; self-acting or self-regulating under fixed conditions; -- esp. applied to machinery or devices in which certain things formerly or usually done by hand are done by the machine or device itself; as, the automatic feed of a lathe; automatic gas lighting; an automatic engine or switch; an automatic mouse. 3. Not voluntary; not depending on the will; mechanical; as, automatic movements or functions. Unconscious or automatic reasoning. --H. Spenser. Automatic arts, such economic arts or manufacture as are carried on by self-acting machinery. --Ure.
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