automaton

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun someone who acts or responds in a mechanical or apathetic way
  2. noun a mechanism that can move automatically

Etymology

From Ancient Greek αὐτόματον (autómaton), neuter of αὐτόματος (autómatos, “self moving, self willed”). Doublet of automat.

In classic literature

Synonyms

zombi, zombie

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