auto-

¹ American  

1. a combining form meaning “self,” “same,” “spontaneous,” used in the formation of compound words.

   autograph, autodidact.

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auto- ² American  

1. a combining form representing automobile in compound words.

   autocade.

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auto- ³ American  

1. a combining form representing automatic in compound words: autoalarm; autofeed; autofocus . Sometimes also taken as an adjective.

   auto enlarger; auto stop control; auto dialer.

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auto ⁴ American  

[aw-toh] / ˈɔ toʊ /

noun

plural

autos

1. automobile.

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adjective

1. of or relating to automobiles.

   an auto salesman; auto detailing.

auto. ⁵ American  

abbreviation

1. automatic.

2. automobile.

3. automotive.

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auto ¹ British  

/ ˈɔːtəʊ /

noun

1. 1. short for automobile

   2. ( as modifier )

      auto parts

2. informal short for autorickshaw

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auto- ² British  

combining form

1. self; same; of or by the same one

   autobiography

2. acting from or occurring within; self-caused

   autohypnosis

3. self-propelling; automatic

   automobile

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Etymology

Origin of auto-¹

< Greek, combining form of autós self

Origin of auto-²

auto

Origin of auto⁴

An Americanism dating back to 1895–1900; by shortening

Example Sentences

“There’s potential for a lot of see-sawing in Washington on environmental policy in respect to the auto industry,” Whiston said.

From Barron's

Now, auto companies and battery makers are scaling back.

From The Wall Street Journal

Ford Motor and GM, the other two legs of the original Detroit Big Three auto makers, trade at about 0.3 and 0.4 times, respectively.

From Barron's

Consumer spending is always one for auto makers.

From Barron's

Its auto makers are coming to Europe.

From Barron's

Related Words

• car
• passenger car
• vehicle