automaton — meaning in English

English meaning

• automaton noun A mechanical device built to carry out a fixed set of movements or instructions on its own.
• robot noun A machine, often shaped like a person, built to move and perform tasks on its own or under programmed control.

Senses

automaton is used for these senses in English:

• automaton A machine or robot designed to follow a precise sequence of instructions.
• robot A machine built to carry out some complex task or group of tasks by physically moving, especially one which can be programmed. [from 20th c.]

automaton — full definition

1. noun A mechanical device built to carry out a fixed set of movements or instructions on its own.
2. noun A person who behaves in a dull, mechanical way, as if acting without feeling or thought.

robot — full definition

1. noun A machine, often shaped like a person, built to move and perform tasks on its own or under programmed control.
2. noun A piece of software that automatically carries out tasks online, such as crawling web pages or replying to messages.
3. noun A person who behaves in a stiff, mechanical, or emotionless way.

Related Latin words