ETYM Latin from Greek; auto self + a root ma, man, to strive, think. Related to Mean.
1. A mechanism that can move automatically; SYN. robot, golem.
2. Someone who acts or responds in a mechanical or apathetic way; SYN. zombi, zombie.
Automatic mechanism, especially one effecting complex actions; robot; person who acts like a machine.
Mechanical figure imitating human or animal performance. Automatons are usually designed for esthetic appeal as opposed to purely functional robots. The earliest recorded automaton is an Egyptian wooden pigeon of 400 BC.