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“automation”
automation
1. A system in which a workplace or process has been converted to one that replaces or minimizes human labor with mechanical or electronic equipment.
2. A mechanical device, operated electronically, and which functions automatically, without continuous input from an operator.
3. The act of automating something, or the state of being automated.
2. A mechanical device, operated electronically, and which functions automatically, without continuous input from an operator.
3. The act of automating something, or the state of being automated.
This word was coined in 1936 by D.S. Harder, a Generl Motors employee, but it didn't come into popular use until around the 1950s. Harder defined automation as the "automatic handling of parts between progressive production processes," but one of the current definitions is "the technique or system of operating a mechanical or productive device by highly automatic means, as by electronic devices"; as well as, those shown above.
Based on information from Word and Phrase Origins
This entry is located in the following units:
-ation, -ization (-iz[e] + -ation); -isation (British spelling variation)
(page 12)
auto-, aut-
(page 14)
Quotes: Automation
(page 1)
automation, automaton
automation (aw" tuh MAY shuhn) (noun)
1. The technique, method, or system of operating or controlling a process with electronic devices, reducing human intervention to a minimum: The door uses a system of automation so you don't have to push it open.
2. The self-moving transfer of one unit of a complex industrial assembly to a succession of machines, each of which completes another stage in a manufacturing process: Modern automobile companies are using more automation than were used decades ago.
2. The self-moving transfer of one unit of a complex industrial assembly to a succession of machines, each of which completes another stage in a manufacturing process: Modern automobile companies are using more automation than were used decades ago.
automaton (aw TOM uh tuhn) (noun)
1. Anything capable of spontaneous movement or action: Silvia had an incredible automaton, or robot, that was vacuuming the rugs in the living room.
2. A person who acts in a mechanical or machinelike way: Hans was behaving like an unfeeling automaton.
2. A person who acts in a mechanical or machinelike way: Hans was behaving like an unfeeling automaton.
Lorena's uncle was so surprised to see what the new automation was able to do, that he was moving like an automaton; that is, moving as if he were in a daze of amazement.
This entry is located in the following units:
auto-, aut-
(page 14)
Confusing Words Clarified: Group A; Homonyms, Homophones, Homographs, Synonyms, Polysemes, etc.
(page 9)
Quotes: Automation
Robotic devices that work like humans making people unnecessary: automation quotes.
This entry is located in the following units:
auto-, aut-
(page 24)
Quotes: Quotations Units
(page 1)
A unit related to:
“automation”
(robotic devices that work like humans making people unnecessary)
(a nation that utilizes automation and technology, but which is depending more and more on outsourcing to other nations for the experts in those areas)
Word Entries at Get Words:
“automation”
automation
The replacement of human laborers with machines; especially, self-regulating machines and computers.
This entry is located in the following unit:
Economical, Business, and Financial Terms +
(page 2)