Automatic
WordNet
adjective
(1) Operating with minimal human intervention; independent of external control
"Automatic transmission"
"A budget deficit that caused automatic spending cuts"
(2) Like the unthinking functioning of a machine
"An automatic `thank you'"
"Machinelike efficiency"
(3) Without volition or conscious control
"The automatic shrinking of the pupils of the eye in strong light"
"A reflex knee jerk"
"Sneezing is reflexive"
noun
(4) A pistol that will keep firing until the ammunition is gone or the trigger is released
(5) Light machine gun
WiktionaryText
Etymology
From , from , from , neuter of , from + .
Adjective
- Capable of operating without external control or intervention.
- The automatic clothes washer was a great labor-saving device
- Done out of habit or without conscious thought.
- The reaction was automatic: flight!
- Firing continuously as long as the trigger is pressed until ammunition is exhausted.
- Being added and removed from the stack automatically during the course of function calls.
Related terms
- automagical
- automat
- automaton
- automation
- automatization
- automatize
- automobile
- autopilot
Noun
- A car with automatic transmission.
- I never learned to drive a stick. I can only drive an automatic.
- A semi-automatic firearm.