Au`to*mat"ic (?), Au`to*mat"ic*al (?), a. [Cf. F. automatique. See Automaton.]

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.

Automatic arts, such economic arts or manufacture as are carried on by self-acting machinery.

Ure.

 

© Webster 1913.

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