Etymology Explorer › English

Where does “automation” come from?

Automation derives from French automate, from Ancient Greek αὐτόματον, meaning self-acting, combining αὐτο- (self) and a root meaning to move or act.

automation (English): The act or process of converting the controlling...

Definitions

  1. The act or process of converting the controlling...

Ancestry of “automation”, step by step

StepLanguageWordMeaning
1EnglishautomaticCapable of operating without external control or...
2Frenchautomatiqueautomatic
3Frenchautomateautomaton
4Ancient Greekαὐτόματον—
5Ancient Greekαὐτόματοςself-willed, unbidden; self-moving,...
6Ancient Greekμέμααto wish eagerly, strive, yearn, desire
7Ancient Greekμέμοναto be minded or inclined; to be eager; to hasten
8Proto-Indo-Europeanmemóneto think, to be mindful; to remember
9Proto-Indo-Europeanmen-to think, mind; spiritual activity; to stay,...

Words derived from “automation”

  • semiautomation
  • nonautomation
  • automâtion
Every word from Proto-Indo-European men- →