Where does “autopilot” come from?
Autopilot is a compound of English auto- (from Ancient Greek αὐτο-, combining form of αὐτός meaning "self") and English pilot, denoting a self-operating steering mechanism.
autopilot (English): A mechanical, electrical, or hydraulic system...
Definitions
- A mechanical, electrical, or hydraulic system...
Ancestry of “autopilot”, step by step
| Step | Language | Word | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | English | auto- | Regarding oneself; automatic; relating to cars or... |
| 2 | English | automatic | Capable of operating without external control or... |
| 3 | French | automatique | automatic |
| 4 | French | automate | automaton |
| 5 | Ancient Greek | αὐτόματον | accident, mere chance |
| 6 | Ancient Greek | αὐτόματος | self-willed, unbidden; self-moving,... |
| 7 | Ancient Greek | μέμαα | to wish eagerly, strive, yearn, desire |
| 8 | Ancient Greek | μέμονα | to be minded or inclined; to be eager; to hasten |
| 9 | Proto-Indo-European | memóne | to think, to be mindful; to remember |
| 10 | Proto-Indo-European | men- | to think, mind; spiritual activity; to stay,... |