Bot
/bɑt/noun
A computer program that performs automated tasks, or a mechanical/artificial agent.
Did you know?In English, bot became a tech word through shortened forms like robot, while the deeper ancestor behind robot comes from Czech robota, meaning forced labor or drudgery.
Etymological Timeline
16th Century
English
bot
“A dialect word for a parasite or maggot.”
20th Century
English
bot
“Short for robot; later, an automated software agent.”
1920
Czech
robot
“A laborer, especially one bound to compulsory work.”
1921
English
robot
“A mechanically powered human-like being.”
Modern English
English
bot
“An automated program that performs tasks online.”