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Automaton: meaning, definitions and examples

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automaton

 

[ ɔːˈtɒmətən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

computer science

An automaton is a self-operating machine or control mechanism designed to automatically follow a predetermined sequence of operations.

Synonyms

device, machine, robot

Examples of usage

  • Finite state automata are commonly used in computer science to model discrete systems.
  • An automaton can be represented as a directed graph with nodes representing states and edges representing transitions between states.
Context #2 | Noun

philosophy

In philosophy, an automaton refers to a being that operates in a mechanical fashion, without conscious awareness or free will.

Synonyms

mechanism, robot, zombie

Examples of usage

  • The philosopher Descartes argued that animals are mere automata, lacking rationality and self-awareness.
  • Some argue that human behavior can be reduced to deterministic automata, devoid of true agency.

Translations

Translations of the word "automaton" in other languages:

🇵🇹 autômato

🇮🇳 स्वचालित यंत्र

🇩🇪 Automat

🇮🇩 otomaton

🇺🇦 автомат

🇵🇱 automat

🇯🇵 オートマトン (ōtomaton)

🇫🇷 automate

🇪🇸 autómata

🇹🇷 otomaton

🇰🇷 자동 장치 (jadong jangchi)

🇸🇦 الآلة الذاتية (al-āla al-dhātiya)

🇨🇿 automat

🇸🇰 automat

🇨🇳 自动机 (zìdòng jī)

🇸🇮 avtomat

🇮🇸 sjálfvirk vél

🇰🇿 автомат

🇬🇪 ავტომატი (avtomati)

🇦🇿 avtomat

🇲🇽 autómata

Etymology

The term 'automaton' originated from ancient Greek mythology, where it referred to self-operating machines or beings capable of acting independently. In the modern context, the word has been adapted to describe various mechanical devices, especially in the fields of computer science and philosophy.

See also: automate, automobile, autonomy.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,299, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.