auto-, aut-
(Greek: self, same, spontaneous; directed from within)
2. In a mechanical manner; by a mechanism operating with minimal human intervention; independent of external control.
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
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. 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.
2. An apparently goal-directed activity that is not, in fact, under the conscious, voluntary control, of the subject (occurring in epilepsy, catatonia, and fugue states).
This subject includes the performance of acts without conscious will, as, for example, after an attack of epilepsy or a concussion of the brain.
In such conditions, the person may perform acts of which he or she is neither conscious of at the time nor has any memory afterwards.
It is especially liable to occur when people suffering from epilepsy, mental subnormality, or concussion consume alcoholic drinks.
2. A mechanical figure or contrivance constructed to act as if by its own motive power: Tommy got an automaton for his birthday, which looked like a little soldier and could be operated by winding it up so it would walk around in his living room.
3. Someone who acts or responds in a mechanical or apathetic way: Only an automaton wouldn't have noticed the threat of the thunderstorm.
4. A person or animal that acts in a monotonous, routine manner, without active intelligence: The whole football team sat around after the game, like automatons, lifeless and depressed after losing the last game of the season.
5. A mechanism that can move automatically or without an external motive force; such as, an android: The cell phone that Janet has can be considered to be an automaton in that it responds to encoded instructions.
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2. Self-estimation.
3. Measurement of the parts of one's figure in terms of its entire height.
4. Using oneself as the measuring stick for other people, cultures, and languages.
2. Mimicry in which a palatable morph (the mimic) resembles a non-palatable morph (the model) of the same species; the polymorphism with respect to palatability can arise from a choice of different food plants by model and mimic.
2. A self-moving vehicle; a motor vehicle.
3. A road vehicle, usually with four wheels and powered by an internal-combustion engine, designed to carry a small number of passengers.
2. The judgment of others by analogy from the knowledge of one's self.
3. An ascription (relating a particular cause) to others of one's own characteristics.
2. Of or relating to self-propelled vehicles.
3. Relating to motor vehicles; such as, "automotive supplies".