Automaton
/ɔːˈtɒməˌtɒn/noun
A machine that operates automatically without human intervention.
Did you know?In ancient Greece, automata were often seen as magical creations, believed to be imbued with the essence of life itself, blurring the lines between man and machine.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
αὐτόματον (automaton)
“self-moving, acting of itself.”
1st Century BC
Latin
automaton
“a self-operating machine or device.”
Middle Ages
Latin
automatum
“an automatic device, often magical in function.”
Early Modern English
English
automaton
“a mechanical figure or device made to imitate human actions.”
19th Century
English
automaton
“a mechanism that operates automatically, reflecting the growing fascination with machines.”
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