Crossword clues for automaton
Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
The Collaborative International Dictionary
Automaton \Au*tom"a*ton\, n.; pl. L. Automata, E. Automatons. [L. fr. Gr. ?, neut. of ? self-moving; ? self + a root ma, man, to strive, think, cf. ? to strive. See Mean, v. i.]
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Any thing or being regarded as having the power of spontaneous motion or action.
--Huxley.So great and admirable an automaton as the world.
--Boyle.These living automata, human bodies.
--Boyle. 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.
Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary
Wiktionary
n. 1 A machine or robot designed to follow a precise sequence of instructions. 2 A person who acts like a machine or robot, often defined as having a monotonous lifestyle and lacking in emotion. 3 A formal system, such as finite automaton. 4 A toy in the form of a mechanical figure.
WordNet
Wikipedia
An automaton (plural: automata or automatons) is a self-operating machine, or a machine or control mechanism designed to follow automatically a predetermined sequence of operations, or respond to predetermined instructions. Some automata, such as bellstrikers in mechanical clocks, are designed to give the illusion to the casual observer that they are operating under their own power.
An automaton is a self-operating machine.
Automaton may also refer to:
- "Automaton", a song by London's Neo New-Wave Band The Rakes
- An automaton, an abstract machine in mathematics (see automata theory)
- In particular, a finite-state machine or finite-state automaton, a mathematical model of computer hardware and software
- Automatons, a 2006 film
Usage examples of "automaton".
Harry, finding the groin area of the automaton untraditionally hard and unyielding.
Great Lorenzo stepped casually up beside the still-kneeling automaton replica of the princess.
This is where I first began conducting my elaborate tests on the human brain, where Project Automaton was launched.
An automaton is someone who acts in a routine or monotonous manner and lacks active intellect.
An automaton is also a machine designed to act under its own power, such as a robot.
He was forced to discard the Bushmasters and resort to his malletlike fists, slugging every Automaton that came within reach of his steely sinews.
Every blow produced a resounding thud and sent an Automaton to the ground.
With the thought came a surge of power to his limbs, and he fought on, crushing Automaton after Automaton to the earth.
He arced the scimitar into the neck of a burly Automaton, then pivoted to slice his blade into the head of a deranged woman.
When a few months had passed he heard that the automaton was nearly finished.
As the automaton now is, however, it can give all the limb motions, though they are comparatively insignificant.
Old Erkins trembled with excitement as he saw the automaton begin to move.
I will give you a written guaranty that the automaton shall cross and uncross its legs, smoke cigars, adjust its eye-glass, incline its head, open and close its eyes, wink and talk--speak two or three words.
He had had two triumphs--secured the automaton and learned that Alice and her fortune were no longer in danger.
The automaton was encased in a large box provided with handles, and four men were brought to carry it into the house.