au|to|mat|ic

au|to|mat|ic « tuh MAT ihk», adjective, noun.

–adj.

1. moving or acting by itself; regulating itself: »

an automatic lock, an automatic pump. When you press a button the automatic elevator takes you to the floor you want.

SYNONYM(S): self-regulating.

2. done without thought or attention; not voluntary: »

Breathing and swallowing are usually automatic. His anger was an automatic response to her insult.

3. a) reloading by itself: »

an automatic pistol.

b) of an automatic firearm: »

under heavy automatic fire from a rebel ambush (London Times).

–n.

1. a pistol or other gun that throws out the empty shell and loads a new cartridge by itself. An automatic that is fully self-acting continues to fire until the pressure on the trigger is released. The semiautomatic fires a single shot each time the trigger is pulled.

2. a self-acting machine: »

This dishwasher is an automatic.

3. the position or condition necessary for automatic action: »

The record player is on automatic and will shut itself off.

╂[< Greek autómatos self-acting (< autós self + -matos thinking, related to ménos intention; mind) + English -ic]

–au´to|mat´i|cal|ly, adverb.

Synonym Study adjective. 2 Automatic, involuntary mean not controlled by the will. Automatic means done unconsciously due to a natural or habitual reaction to a situation or stimulus: »

My automatic response when I see a red light while driving is to brake.

Involuntary means done without conscious intention: »

I gave an involuntary jump when the door slammed.