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Consult Chambers 21st Century Dictionary, The Chambers Thesaurus (1996) or Chambers Biographical Dictionary (1997 edition with amendments). Enter your search and choose your title from the drop-down menu.
automatic adj 1 said of a machine or device: capable of operating on its own by means of a self-regulating mechanism, and requiring little human control once it has been activated. 2 said of an action: done without thinking; unconscious; spontaneous. 3 happening as a necessary and inevitable result • The gravity of the offence meant an automatic driving ban. 4 said of a firearm: able to reload itself and so capable of firing continuously. Compare semi-automatic. 5 said of a motor vehicle: having automatic transmission. noun 1 an automatic firearm. 2 a vehicle with automatic transmission. 3 a washing machine that operates automatically. Compare twin tub, washer-dryer. automatically adverb.
ETYMOLOGY: 18c: from Greek automatos acting independently.
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The Chambers Dictionary (13th edition)
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The Chambers Thesaurus
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Chambers Biographical Dictionary
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Consult Chambers 21st Century Dictionary, The Chambers Thesaurus (1996) or Chambers Biographical Dictionary (1997 edition with amendments). Enter your search and choose your title from the drop-down menu.
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