automatic

American  

[aw-tuh-mat-ik] / ˌɔ təˈmæt ɪk /

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.

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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.

idioms

1. on automatic, being operated or controlled by or as if by an automatic device.

automatic British  

/ 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

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noun

1. an automatic firearm

2. a motor vehicle having automatic transmission

3. a machine that operates automatically

Related Words

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.

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

Etymology

Origin of automatic

First recorded in 1740–50; from Greek autómat(os) “self-moving” ( automaton ) + -ic

Example Sentences

“During dense fog avoid travel and do not rely on automatic headlights,” the County Of Tulare wrote on Facebook following the incident.

From Los Angeles Times

The union is focused on an immediate 16% raise for new teachers, an across-the-board 3% raise in the contract’s second year and significant automatic pay hikes tied to years of experience and continued education.

From Los Angeles Times

“It’s not automatic and needs a close look.”

From MarketWatch

Anyone who fails to complete a required return by the end of Saturday faces an automatic £100 fine and the possibility of further penalties.

From BBC

“But the car’s an automatic—and there’s nothing I could hit, round here, except the trees. And the trees aren’t going to make any sudden movements. Please?”

From Literature

Related Words

• automated
• electric
• electronic
• mechanical