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auto
[ aw-toh ]
/ ˈɔ toʊ /
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This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
Definition of auto
noun, plural au·tos.
adjective
of or relating to automobiles: an auto salesman; auto detailing.
QUIZ
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Question 1 of 9
Which of the following nouns has an irregular plural form?
Origin of auto
An Americanism dating back to 1895–1900; by shortening
Words nearby auto
Other definitions for auto (2 of 5)
auto-1
a combining form meaning “self,” “same,” “spontaneous,” used in the formation of compound words: autograph, autodidact.
Also especially before a vowel, aut- .
Origin of auto-
1<Greek, combining form of autós self
Other definitions for auto (3 of 5)
Origin of auto-
2see origin at auto
Other definitions for auto (4 of 5)
auto-3
a combining form representing automatic in compound words: autoalarm; autofeed; autofocus. Sometimes also taken as an adjective: auto enlarger; auto stop control; auto dialer.
Other definitions for auto (5 of 5)
auto.
abbreviation
automatic.
automobile.
automotive.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022
How to use auto in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for auto (1 of 2)
auto
/ (ˈɔːtəʊ) /
noun plural -tos US and Canadian informal
- short for automobile
- (as modifier)auto parts
Indian informal short for autorickshaw
British Dictionary definitions for auto (2 of 2)
auto-
sometimes before a vowel aut-
combining form
self; same; of or by the same oneautobiography
acting from or occurring within; self-causedautohypnosis
self-propelling; automaticautomobile
Word Origin for auto-
from Greek autos self
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Medical definitions for auto
auto-
pref.
Self; same:autogamy.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Scientific definitions for auto
auto-
A prefix meaning oneself, as in autoimmune, producing antibodies or immunity against oneself. It also means by itself, automatic, as in autonomic, governing by itself.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.