automatic Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun light machine gun
    automatic rifle; machine rifle.
  2. noun a pistol that will keep firing until the ammunition is gone or the trigger is released
    automatic pistol.
  3. adjective operating with minimal human intervention; independent of external control
    • automatic transmission
    • a budget deficit that caused automatic spending cuts
  4. adjective satellite resembling the unthinking functioning of a machine
    robotlike; machinelike; automatonlike; robotic.
    • an automatic `thank you'
    • machinelike efficiency
  5. adjective satellite without volition or conscious control
    reflex; reflexive.
    • the automatic shrinking of the pupils of the eye in strong light
    • a reflex knee jerk
    • sneezing is reflexive

WordNet

Au`to*mat"ic, Au`to*mat"ic*al adjective (Also<
  • Automatic
  • Automatical
)
Etymology
Cf. F. automatique. See Automaton.
Definitions
  1. Having an inherent power of action or motion.
    Nothing can be said to be automatic. Sir H. Davy.
  2. Pertaining to, or produced by, an automaton; of the nature of an automaton; self-acting or self-regulating under fixed conditions; -- esp. applied to machinery or devices in which certain things formerly or usually done by hand are done by the machine or device itself; as, the automatic feed of a lathe; automatic gas lighting; an automatic engine or switch; an automatic mouse.
  3. Not voluntary; not depending on the will; mechanical; as, automatic movements or functions.
    Unconscious or automatic reasoning. H. Spenser.
    Ure.

Webster 1913