Autonomic: meaning, definitions and examples

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autonomic

 

[ɔːˈtɒnəmɪk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

biological systems

Autonomic refers to functions that are self-governing, particularly in relation to biological systems. In the context of biology, it often pertains to the autonomic nervous system, which regulates involuntary bodily functions such as heartbeat, breathing, and digestion. It is distinct from the voluntary nervous system, which governs conscious movements and decisions. The term can also be used in technology, where it relates to systems that can manage themselves without human intervention.

Synonyms

automatic, independent, self-regulating.

Examples of usage

  • The autonomic nervous system controls heart rate.
  • Autonomic responses are often subconscious.
  • Many modern networks are becoming more autonomic.
Context #2 | Adjective

technology and systems

In technology, autonomic refers to systems or processes that can monitor and manage themselves, similar to the autonomic functions in biological systems. An autonomic computing system can adapt to changes in its environment without the need for human oversight, effectively learning and optimizing its performance over time. This concept is key in the development of artificial intelligence and smart systems.

Synonyms

adaptive, intelligent, self-managing.

Examples of usage

  • Autonomic systems adjust their parameters automatically.
  • The software includes an autonomic feature for efficiency.
  • Cloud services are increasingly moving towards autonomic management.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word originated from the Greek 'autonomos,' meaning 'having its own law,' reflecting the idea that some things operate independently.
  • It was first used in the 19th century in medical contexts to describe involuntary bodily functions.
  • In linguistic terms, 'auto-' indicates self or automatic, while '-nomos' relates to law or governance.

Biology

  • The autonomic nervous system controls involuntary bodily functions such as heartbeat, digestion, and breathing.
  • It is divided into two main parts: the sympathetic nervous system (which prepares the body for action) and the parasympathetic nervous system (which conserves energy).
  • These systems work together to maintain homeostasis, which is the body's balance and stability.

Psychology

  • The autonomic nervous system affects emotional responses, as it triggers physical reactions like sweating or increased heartbeat when we are scared.
  • Stress can have a significant impact on autonomic function, potentially leading to health issues over time.
  • Mindfulness practices like meditation have been shown to positively influence autonomic functions, promoting relaxation.

Technology

  • Autonomic computing is a paradigm that aims to create self-managing computing resources, similar to how the body's autonomic systems manage physiological processes.
  • This technology seeks to reduce the need for human intervention in complex IT systems, allowing systems to adapt and optimize automatically.
  • The concept mirrors biological systems, emphasizing self-regulation and adaptation.

Health and Medicine

  • Dysfunction in the autonomic nervous system can lead to conditions like dysautonomia, which affects blood flow, digestion, and heart rate.
  • Doctors can assess autonomic function through tests that measure how the body responds to changes in posture or stress.
  • Common symptoms of autonomic dysfunction include lightheadedness, fatigue, and abnormal sweating.

Translations

Translations of the word "autonomic" in other languages:

🇵🇹 autonómico

🇮🇳 स्वायत्त

🇩🇪 autonom

🇮🇩 otonom

🇺🇦 автономний

🇵🇱 autonomiczny

🇯🇵 自律的

🇫🇷 autonome

🇪🇸 autónomo

🇹🇷 otonom

🇰🇷 자율적인

🇸🇦 ذاتي

🇨🇿 autonomní

🇸🇰 autonómny

🇨🇳 自主的

🇸🇮 avtonomen

🇮🇸 sjálfstæð

🇰🇿 автономды

🇬🇪 ავტონომიური

🇦🇿 avtonom

🇲🇽 autónomo

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,654, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.