quasi-automatically
təˈmæt adjective
1.
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.
00:10
Quasi-automatically
is always a great word to know.
So is slumgullion. Does it mean:
| a stew of meat, vegetables, potatoes, etc. |
| a children's mummer's parade, as on the Fourth of July, with prizes for the best costumes. |
13.
on automatic, being operated or controlled by or as if by an automatic device.
Related forms
au·to·mat·i·cal·ly, adverb
non·au·to·mat·ic, adjective
non·au·to·mat·i·cal·ly, adverb
qua·si-au·to·mat·ic, adjective
qua·si-au·to·mat·i·cal·ly, adverb
sub·au·to·mat·ic, adjective
sub·au·to·mat·i·cal·ly, adverb
un·au·to·mat·ic, adjective
un·au·to·mat·i·cal·ly, adverb
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.
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.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
Cite This Source
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
Cite This Source
|
Link To quasi-automatically
Collins
World English Dictionary
automatic (ˌɔːtəˈmætɪk) ![[Click for IPA pronunciation guide]](http://static.sfdict.com/dictstatic/g/d/dictionary_questionbutton_default.gif) | |
| —adj | |
| 1. | performed from force of habit or without conscious thought; lacking spontaneity; mechanical: an automatic smile |
| 2. | a. (of a device, mechanism, etc) able to activate, move, or regulate itself |
| b. (of an act or process) performed by such automatic equipment | |
| 3. | (of the action of a muscle, gland, etc) involuntary or reflex |
| 4. | occurring as a necessary consequence: promotion is automatic after a year |
| 5. | of a firearm |
| a. Compare semiautomatic utilizing some of the force of or gas from each explosion to eject the empty shell case, replace it with a new one, and fire continuously until release of the trigger | |
| b. short for semiautomatic See also machine | |
| —n | |
| 6. | an automatic firearm |
| 7. | a motor vehicle having automatic transmission |
| 8. | a machine that operates automatically |
| [C18: from Greek automatos acting independently] | |
| auto'matically | |
| —adv | |
| automaticity | |
| —n | |
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
Cite This Source
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
Cite This Source
Etymonline
Word Origin & History
automatic
1812, "self-acting, moving or acting on its own," from Gk. automatos, used of the gates of Olympus and the tripods of Hephaestus (also "without apparent cause, by accident"), from autos "self" (see auto-) + matos "thinking, animated" (see
automaton). Of involuntary animal or human actions, from 1748, first used by Eng. physician and philosopher David Hartley (1705-1757). As an adj., in ref. to a type of firearm, from 1877; specifically of machinery that imitates human-directed action from 1940. As a noun meaning "automatic weapon" it is recorded from 1902; meaning "motorized vehicle with automatic transmission" is from 1949.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
Cite This Source
Cite This Source
Nearby Words
Copyright © 2013 Dictionary.com, LLC. All rights reserved.
