Where does “automaton” come from?
Automaton comes from Ancient Greek αὐτόματος, meaning self-acting, derived from αὐτός meaning self.
automaton (English): A machine or robot designed to follow a precise...
Definitions
- A machine or robot designed to follow a precise...
Ancestry of “automaton”, step by step
| Step | Language | Word | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ancient Greek | αὐτόματον | accident, mere chance |
| 2 | Ancient Greek | αὐτόματος | self-willed, unbidden; self-moving,... |
| 3 | Ancient Greek | μέμαα | to wish eagerly, strive, yearn, desire |
| 4 | Ancient Greek | μέμονα | to be minded or inclined; to be eager; to hasten |
| 5 | Proto-Indo-European | memóne | to think, to be mindful; to remember |
| 6 | Proto-Indo-European | men- | to think, mind; spiritual activity; to stay,... |