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.

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. 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

Other Word Forms

• automatically adverb
• automaticity noun
• nonautomatic adjective
• nonautomatically adverb
• quasi-automatic adjective
• quasi-automatically adverb
• subautomatic adjective
• subautomatically adverb
• unautomatic adjective
• unautomatically 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

For learner drivers, Ms Howe said, automatics can make the test easier, as "there's just a lot less to do".

From BBC

The rituals of punishing those with the wrong allegiance now found expression in the mass-produced revolver and later in the automatic rifle.

From Salon

It gets automatic because I think about that during the week until the game.

From BBC

However, nobody made up enough ground to knock him out of the top-six automatic places available in Luke Donald's Europe team.

From BBC

Despite missing out on automatic qualification after placing third at August's British Championships, a phone call after the "longest three weeks of my life" confirmed his selection for Tokyo.

From BBC

Related Words

• automated www.thesaurus.com
• electric 
• electronic 
• mechanical