autonomic

[ aw-tuh-nom-ik ]

adjective

1. autonomous.
2. of or relating to the autonomic nervous system.
3. Physiology. under the control of the autonomic nervous system.
4. Cell Biology. produced by internal forces or causes; spontaneous.

autonomic

/ ˌɔːtəˈnɒmɪk /

adjective

1. occurring involuntarily or spontaneously
2. of or relating to the autonomic nervous system
3. Alsoautonomous (of plant movements) occurring as a result of internal stimuli

Derived Forms

• ˌautoˈnomically, adverb

Other Words From

• auto·nomi·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of autonomic¹

First recorded in 1825–35; autonom(y) + -ic

Example Sentences

Other scientists are working on similar ways to externally stimulate the spinal cord to improve people’s autonomic nervous system.

From Science News

Used by Navy Seals in high-stress situations, this breathing technique helps calm the autonomic nervous system, which restores relaxation.

From Time

Researchers have also found that hypnosis can calm brain regions that help control autonomic functions like heart rate, blood flow, and breathing.

From Time

Disrupting your sleep cycle upsets your autonomic nervous system.

From Popular-Science

Instead their movement is regulated by a precise neural dance formulated by our autonomic nervous system.

From Popular-Science

He equated this response with altered activity of the autonomic nervous system.

From The Daily Beast

As regards ethics, Baader rejects the Kantian or any autonomic system of morals.

From Project Gutenberg

But now being in a minority they supported the government in its anti-autonomic rigours.

From Project Gutenberg

We should notice right here the antagonism that exists between the middle division of the autonomic and the other two.

From Project Gutenberg

When we remember the workings of our autonomic nerves we may not wonder at that fact.

From Project Gutenberg

To this system Langley has lately given the name 'autonomic.'

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• autonomous
• nonpartisan
• self-reliant
• self-sufficient
• separate
• sovereign