automatic

[ aw-tuh-mat-ik ]
See synonyms for automatic on Thesaurus.com
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.

  1. done unconsciously or from force of habit; mechanical: an automatic application of the brakes.

  2. occurring spontaneously: automatic enthusiasm.

  3. (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.

noun
  1. a machine that operates automatically.

Idioms about automatic

  1. on automatic, being operated or controlled by or as if by an automatic device.

Origin of automatic

1
First recorded in 1740–50; from Greek autómat(os) “self-moving” (see automaton) + -ic

synonym study For automatic

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.

Other words from automatic

  • au·to·mat·i·cal·ly, adverb
  • au·to·ma·tic·i·ty [aw-tuh-muh-tis-i-tee], /ˌɔ tə məˈtɪs ɪ ti/, noun
  • 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

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

British Dictionary definitions for automatic

automatic

/ (ˌɔːtəˈmætɪk) /


adjective
  1. performed from force of habit or without conscious thought; lacking spontaneity; mechanical: an automatic smile

    • (of a device, mechanism, etc) able to activate, move, or regulate itself

    • (of an act or process) performed by such automatic equipment

  1. (of the action of a muscle, gland, etc) involuntary or reflex

  2. occurring as a necessary consequence: promotion is automatic after a year

  3. (of a firearm)

noun
  1. an automatic firearm

  2. a motor vehicle having automatic transmission

  1. a machine that operates automatically

Origin of automatic

1
C18: from Greek automatos acting independently

Derived forms of automatic

  • automatically, adverb
  • automaticity (ˌɔːtəʊməˈtɪsɪtɪ), noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012