automaton
[ aw-tom-uh-ton, -tn ]
/ ɔˈtɒm əˌtɒn, -tn /
Save This Word!
noun, plural au·tom·a·tons, au·tom·a·ta [aw-tom-uh-tuh]. /ɔˈtɒm ə tə/.
a mechanical figure or contrivance constructed to act as if by its own motive power; robot.
a person or animal that acts in a monotonous, routine manner, without active intelligence.
something capable of acting automatically or without an external motive force.
QUIZZES
QUIZ YOURSELF ON AFFECT VS. EFFECT!
In effect, this quiz will prove whether or not you have the skills to know the difference between “affect” and “effect.”
Question 1 of 7
The rainy weather could not ________ my elated spirits on my graduation day.
Origin of automaton
1605–15; <Latin: automatic device <Greek, noun use of neuter of autómatos spontaneous, acting without human agency, equivalent to auto-auto-1 + -matos, adj. derivative from base of memonénai to intend, ménos might, force
OTHER WORDS FROM automaton
au·tom·a·tous, adjectiveWords nearby automaton
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for automaton
“Affect” vs. “Effect”: Use The Correct Word Every Time
Where Did African American Vernacular English Come From?
What Is The Difference Between “It’s” And “Its”?
“Effectiveness” vs. “Efficacy” vs. “Efficiency”: When To Use Each Word For The Best Results
What Is “GOP” Short For?
“Vaccinate” vs. “Inoculate” vs. “Immunize”: What Are The Differences?
British Dictionary definitions for automaton
automaton
/ (ɔːˈtɒməˌtɒn, -tən) /
noun plural -tons or -ta (-tə)
a mechanical device operating under its own hidden power; robot
a person who acts mechanically or leads a routine monotonous life
Derived forms of automaton
automatous, adjectiveWord Origin for automaton
C17: from Latin, from Greek, from automatos spontaneous, self-moving
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