HOW TO PRONOUNCE
automaton
/ɔˈtɑməˌtɑn/
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American Pronunciation Guide · 0:47
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What does automaton mean?
noun
- A machine or robot designed to follow a precise sequence of instructions.
- A person who acts like a machine or robot, often defined as having a monotonous lifestyle and lacking in emotion.
- A formal system, such as a finite-state machine or cellular automaton.
More meanings (2)
noun
- A toy in the form of a mechanical figure.
- (dated) The self-acting power of the muscular and nervous systems, by which movement is effected without intelligent determination.
Definitions regrouped for readability · CC BY-SA 4.0
IPA pronunciation
/ɔˈtɑməˌtɑn/
CMU Pronouncing Dictionary ↗Pronunciation varies by speaker and region. About these dictionary pronunciations.
In the pages of books
See this word in context.
He is no longer himself, but has become an automaton who has ceased to be guided by his will.
Thereafter, he entered his name on the exhibiter's autograph book, and certified that the "Automaton Speaker" was an extraordinary production of mechanical genius.
More book examples (3)
He treated her with the strictest politeness, but with the precision of an automaton, the movements of which had been arranged for this purpose.
The Poodle is exceptionally sensitive, and is far more efficiently taught when treated as a sensible being rather than as a mere quadrupedal automaton.
Gairdner mentions the case of a woman who, for one hundred and sixty days, remained in a lethargic stupor, being only a mindless automaton.