- automatic
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/aw'teuh mat"ik/, adj.1. having the capability of starting, operating, moving, etc., independently: an automatic sprinkler system; an automatic car wash.2. Physiol. 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.n.6. a machine that operates automatically.7. See automatic rifle.8. See automatic pistol.9. Football. audible (def. 2).10. See automatic pilot.11. See automatic transmission.12. an automobile equipped with automatic transmission.13. on automatic, being operated or controlled by or as if by an automatic device.[1740-50; < Gk autómat(os) self-moving (see AUTOMATON) + -IC]Syn. 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.
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Universalium. 2010.