adj. & n.
--adj.
1. (of a machine, device, etc., or its function) working by itself, without direct human intervention.
2 a done spontaneously, without conscious thought or intention (an automatic reaction). b necessary and inevitable (an automatic penalty).
3 Psychol. performed unconsciously or subconsciously.
4 (of a firearm) that continues firing until the ammunition is exhausted or the pressure on the trigger is released.
5 (of a motor vehicle or its transmission) using gears that change automatically according to speed and acceleration.
--n.
1. an automatic device, esp. a gun or transmission.
2 colloq. a vehicle with automatic transmission.
Phrases and idioms:
automatic pilot a device for keeping an aircraft on a set course.
Derivatives:
automatically adv. automaticity n.
Etymology: formed as AUTOMATON + -IC