automatic

[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.
noun
6.
a machine that operates automatically.
7.
automatic rifle.
8.
automatic pistol.
9.
Football. audible (def 2).
10.
automatic pilot.
11.
automatic transmission.
12.
an automobile equipped with automatic transmission.
Idioms
13.
on automatic, being operated or controlled by or as if by an automatic device.
Origin
1740-50; < Greek autómat(os) self-moving (see automaton) + -ic
Related forms
automatically, adverb
automaticity
[aw-tuh-muh-tis-i-tee] /ˌɔ tə məˈtɪs ɪ ti/ (Show IPA), noun
nonautomatic, adjective
nonautomatically, adverb
quasi-automatic, adjective
quasi-automatically, adverb
subautomatic, adjective
subautomatically, adverb
unautomatic, adjective
unautomatically, adverb
Synonyms
2. 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.
Examples from the web for automatic
  • The makers of this sloshy-tub have completely missed the point of the automatic washing machine.
  • We are talking belt-fed machine guns, shotguns, and modern military automatic rifles here.
  • If the arm made a mistake on automatic mode, they panned it.
  • Then he went to an automatic teller machine and got me money.
  • Metric is pretty natural but not automatic for everything.
  • In fact, we've never owned an automatic transmission.
  • It's easy to switch into automatic pilot mode when it comes to planning a course.
  • automatic meter reading removes the need for platoons of meter readers and cuts down on paperwork.
  • automatic focus in low light settings can be tricky, so focus manually and use a high f-stop to get good depth of field.
  • The major distinction responsible for these internal disagreements is the one between automatic and controlled processes.
British Dictionary definitions for automatic

automatic

/ˌɔːtəˈmætɪk/
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.
(of a firearm)
  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 (sense 2)
  2. short for semiautomatic (sense 2) See also machine (sense 5)
noun
6.
an automatic firearm
7.
a motor vehicle having automatic transmission
8.
a machine that operates automatically
Derived Forms
automatically, adverb
automaticity (ˌɔːtəʊməˈtɪsɪtɪ) noun
Word Origin
C18: from Greek automatos acting independently
Word Origin and History for automatic
adj.

"self-acting, moving or acting on its own," 1812, from Greek automatos, used of the gates of Olympus and the tripods of Hephaestus (also "without apparent cause, by accident"), from autos "self" (see auto-) + matos "thinking, animated" (see automaton). Of involuntary animal or human actions, from 1748, first used in this sense by English physician and philosopher David Hartley (1705-1757). In reference to a type of firearm, from 1877; specifically of machinery that imitates human-directed action from 1940.

n.

"automatic weapon," 1902, from automatic (adj.). Meaning "motorized vehicle with automatic transmission" is from 1949.