automaton
Automaton (noun) means a mechanical device built to carry out a fixed set of movements or instructions on its own. Example: “The museum displayed a 19th-century automaton that could write letters with a tiny pen.”
How to use automaton
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA self-operating machine, or someone acting like one — robotic and emotionless.
Word forms
automatons plural, automata plural
Fill the gap
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The museum displayed a 19th-century _____ that could write letters with a tiny pen.
Etymology
From Greek autómaton, "acting of its own accord" — the neuter form of autómatos, self-moving.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for automaton
See all rhymes for automaton →Frequently asked questions
What does “automaton” mean?
The word “automaton” means a mechanical device built to carry out a fixed set of movements or instructions on its own. In plain terms, a self-operating machine, or someone acting like one — robotic and emotionless.
How do you pronounce “automaton”?
“Automaton” is pronounced aw-TO-muh-tuhn (/ɔːˈtɒmətən/ in IPA).
How do you use “automaton” in a sentence?
Here is “automaton” used in a sentence: “The museum displayed a 19th-century automaton that could write letters with a tiny pen.”
What part of speech is “automaton”?
“Automaton” is a noun.
Where does the word “automaton” come from?
The word “automaton” comes from Greek. From Greek autómaton, "acting of its own accord" — the neuter form of autómatos, self-moving.
How many meanings does “automaton” have?
“Automaton” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a mechanical device built to carry out a fixed set of movements or instructions on its own.
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