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

They join Algeria, Cape Verde, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco and Tunisia, and the final two automatic qualifiers will be decided later Tuesday.

Read more on Barron's

Teen accounts have also been restricted to include direct messaging only with people they follow or are already connected to and automatic muting during nighttime hours.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Top spot in Group A is now a long shot given Germany have put their grasp on automatic qualification.

Read more on BBC

The other four automatic African qualifiers for the World Cup will be decided on Monday and Tuesday with Benin, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast and Senegal the group leaders.

Read more on Barron's

And they will either earn an automatic place in the finals or will have to endure the tension of March's play-offs.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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