automatic

[ aw-tuh-mat-ik ]

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.

noun

1. a machine that operates automatically.
2. automatic rifle.
3. automatic pistol.
4. Football. audible ( def 2 ).
5. automatic pilot.
6. automatic transmission.
7. an automobile equipped with automatic transmission.

automatic

/ ˌɔːtəˈmætɪk; ˌɔːtəʊməˈtɪsɪtɪ /

adjective

1. performed from force of habit or without conscious thought; lacking spontaneity; mechanical

   an automatic smile

2. 1. (of a device, mechanism, etc) able to activate, move, or regulate itself
   2. (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
   1. 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 Compare semiautomatic
   2. short for semiautomatic See also machine

noun

1. an automatic firearm
2. a motor vehicle having automatic transmission
3. a machine that operates automatically

Derived Forms

• automaticity, noun
• ˌautoˈmatically, adverb

Other Words From

• au·to·mat·i·cal·ly adverb
• au·to·ma·tic·i·ty [aw-t, uh, -m, uh, -, tis, -i-tee], 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of automatic¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of automatic¹

C18: from Greek automatos acting independently

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

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

Synonym Study

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.

Example Sentences

The researchers assumed the brain's frontal cortex, which orchestrates complex thoughts and behaviors, was somehow communicating to a brainstem region called the medulla, which controls automatic breathing.

From Science Daily

Habits happen when automatic responses outweigh our ability to consciously control them.

From Science Daily

The teams who have finished top of Nations League Groups B, C and D all secured automatic promotion.

From BBC

In October, the Scottish government shelved proposals for the automatic early release of long-term prisoners due to concerns from victims of crime.

From BBC

That is because Oscar will not receive automatic support to continue in education or training when he leaves school.

From BBC

Related Words

• automated
• electric
• electronic
• mechanical