/
ɔːˈtɒmət(ə)n/
n.
(pl. automata
/-tə/
or automatons)
- a moving mechanical device made in imitation of a human being.
- a machine which performs a function according to a set of coded instructions.
Etymology
C17: via L. from Gk, neut. of automatos ‘acting of itself’, from autos ‘self’.
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