self-acting

American  

[self-ak-ting] / ˈsɛlfˈæk tɪŋ /

adjective

1. acting by itself; automatic.

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self-acting British  

adjective

1. not requiring an external influence or control to function; automatic

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Other Word Forms

• self-action noun

Etymology

Origin of self-acting

First recorded in 1670–80

Example Sentences

Its new rule said bump stocks were illegal machine guns because they function as “a self-acting or self-regulating mechanism that allows the firing of multiple rounds through a single function of the trigger.”

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 28, 2024

It said the bump stock device functions as “a self-acting or self-regulating mechanism that allows the firing of multiple rounds through a single pull of the trigger.”

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 3, 2023

Clausius also gave us the extremely important principle: It is impossible for a self-acting machine, unaided, to transfer heat from one body at a low temperature to another having a higher temperature.

From A History of the Growth of the Steam-Engine by Thurston, Robert H.

Immediately Bessemer made plans of all the machinery required, sent various parts to as many different establishments, lest his secret be found out, and then put the pieces of his self-acting machines together.

From Lives of Poor Boys Who Became Famous by Bolton, Sarah K.

If the proper study of mankind be man,—which, of course, includes woman,—we are throwing a precious deal of time away on centrifugal pumps, sewing-machines, and self-acting razors.

From The Dodd Family Abroad, Vol. II by Lever, Charles James