self-acting

American  

[self-ak-ting] / ˈsɛlfˈæk tɪŋ /

adjective

1. acting by itself; automatic.

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self-acting British  

adjective

1. not requiring an external influence or control to function; automatic

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Other Word Forms

• self-action noun

Etymology

Origin of self-acting

First recorded in 1670–80

Example Sentences

Its new rule said bump stocks were illegal machine guns because they function as “a self-acting or self-regulating mechanism that allows the firing of multiple rounds through a single function of the trigger.”

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 28, 2024

It said the bump stock device functions as “a self-acting or self-regulating mechanism that allows the firing of multiple rounds through a single pull of the trigger.”

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 3, 2023

Here the Grail, the chalice of the Last Supper, is at the same time, as in the Gawain stories, self-acting and food-supplying.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 12, Slice 3 "Gordon, Lord George" to "Grasses" by Various

In this machine the work-holding table is provided with a hand feed, and the drilling or boring spindle with hand and self-acting feed, the latter being variable to suit different kinds of work.

From Modern Machine-Shop Practice, Volumes I and II by Rose, Joshua

The drill spindle is provided with variable rates of self-acting feed, but may also be moved rapidly by hand, and is counterbalanced.

From Modern Machine-Shop Practice, Volumes I and II by Rose, Joshua