android

[an-droid]

noun

1. an automaton in the form of a human being.

Android

¹

/ ˈændrɔɪd /

noun

1. a software package for smartphones, including many application programs

2. a smartphone that uses this software

android

²

/ ˈændrɔɪd /

noun

1. (in science fiction) a robot resembling a human being

adjective

1. resembling a human being

Word History and Origins

Origin of Android¹

From the New Latin word androīdēs, dating back to 1720–30. See andr-, -oid

Word History and Origins

Origin of Android¹

C18: from Late Greek androeidēs manlike; see _andro- , _-oid

Example Sentences

You know the species because androids have been a mainstay of science fiction since before Isaac Asimov coined the “three laws of robotics” for a novelette published in 1942.

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The pair breaks every beaker on Kirsh’s table until the cyborg slams the android over it, breaking his artificial spine.

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As the eggs threaten to open, the android smoothly warns the talking meat in front of him, “If you’re not careful, you’re going to belong to them.”

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If it is accidental, it’s still commendable that the android’s personality fluctuations look like a conversation with that cinematic cliché.

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The idea of a Predator and a synthetic’s odd-couple team-up was intriguing even before the visual of an alien warrior carrying half an android on his back grabbed this “Star Wars” fan’s attention.

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