autonomous Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective satellite (of political bodies) not controlled by outside forces
    self-governing; independent; sovereign.
    • an autonomous judiciary
    • a sovereign state
  2. adjective satellite existing as an independent entity
    • the partitioning of India created two separate and autonomous jute economies
  3. adjective satellite (of persons) free from external control and constraint in e.g. action and judgment
    self-reliant; self-directed.

WordNet

Au*ton"o*mous adjective
Etymology
Gr. self + to assign, hold, sway.
Definitions
  1. Independent in government; having the right or power of self-government.
  2. (Biol.) Having independent existence or laws.

Webster 1913