Automaton
[ɔː'tɒmət(ə)n] or [ɔ'tɑmətən]
Definition
(noun.) a mechanism that can move automatically.
(noun.) someone who acts or responds in a mechanical or apathetic way; 'only an automaton wouldn't have noticed'.
Edited by Francine--From WordNet
Definition
(v. i.) Any thing or being regarded as having the power of spontaneous motion or action.
(v. i.) A self-moving machine, or one which has its motive power within itself; -- applied chiefly to machines which appear to imitate spontaneously the motions of living beings, such as men, birds, etc.
Typed by Ada
Definition
n. a self-moving machine or one which moves by concealed machinery: a living being regarded as without consciousness: the self-acting power of the muscular and nervous systems by which movement is effected without intelligent determination: a human being who acts by routine without intelligence:—pl. Autom′atons Autom′ata.—adjs. Automat′ic -al.—adv. Automat′ically.—ns. Autom′atism automatic or involuntary action: power of self-moving: power of initiating vital processes from within the cell organ or organism independently of any direct or immediate stimulus from without: the doctrine that animals are automata their motions &c. being the result of mechanical laws; Autom′atist one who holds the doctrine of automatism.
Typed by Geraldine
Examples
- He seemed a mere automaton, galvanized into moving and speaking by the wayward Eustacia's will. Thomas Hardy. The Return of the Native.
- Mr. Arnold Bennett puts forth a rather curious hybrid when he advises us to treat ourselves as free agents and everyone else as an automaton. Walter Lippmann. A Preface to Politics.
- And now, the grand chain riveted to the last link, the discreet automaton ceased, and the sixteen, two and two, took a walk among the furniture. Charles Dickens. Our Mutual Friend.
- Do you think I am an automaton? Charlotte Bronte. Jane Eyre.
- Mr. St. John spoke almost like an automaton: himself only knew the effort it cost him thus to refuse. Charlotte Bronte. Jane Eyre.
- He might have been an Arab, or an automaton; he would have been like a red sandstone statue but for the motion of his arm with the dice-box. Thomas Hardy. The Return of the Native.
- The red automaton opposite lapsed into silence, nodded, and followed his example. Thomas Hardy. The Return of the Native.
- I am an automaton? Charlotte Bronte. Shirley.
Inputed by Brice