Definitions

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • noun science fiction A machine or robot, usually in the form of a living being, designed to follow a precise sequence of instructions.

Etymologies

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License

Coined by Robert Holmes in 1969, from a contraction of automaton.

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Examples

  • Luke says it was en to eggizein auton -- when he was near to Jericho, which might be when he was going out of it as well as when he was coming into it.

    Commentary on the Whole Bible Volume V (Matthew to John) 1721

  • Now, If you don't know what a plastic auton is, I don't think I'll venture an explanation at this time, but I'll just tell you it's one of the things that are worth watching the series to find out.

    Doctor Who Week: Day 3 Dean 2010

  • Now, If you don't know what a plastic auton is, I don't think I'll venture an explanation at this time, but I'll just tell you it's one of the things that are worth watching the series to find out.

    Archive 2010-06-01 Dean 2010

  • The reading here adopted I owe to Dr. Arnold Hug, os me ponous auton elattous ton sition gignesthai.

    The Polity of the Athenians and the Lacedaemonians 2007

  • See his comment, l.c. 213 apantosi diokousai auton, al. “come across the huntsman again.”

    On Hunting 2007

  • Or supplying auton with therapeuôn: 'being well disposed to him because' etc.

    The History of the Peloponnesian War Thucydides 2007

  • Cf. the conversation recorded in St. John iv. 7 foll., and the words (verse 23) pneuma o Theos kai tous proskunountas auton en pneumati kai aletheia dei proskunein, which the philosopher

    Memorabilia 2007

  • “Rep.” v. 476 D, exomen ti paramutheisthai auton; and “Hunting,” i.

    The Apology of Socrates 2007

  • “Knights,” 665, kath eilkon auton oi prutaneis kai toxotai.

    Memorabilia 2007

  • For the vulg. auton see Schneid. ad loc., who suggests ton aston.

    On Hunting 2007

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