adj(1)自动的((of a machine) working by itself without needing to be operated by a person)：an～device/elevator/rifle/washing-machine/dishwasher/gear-change/temperature control/data processing/process 自动装置/电梯/步枪/洗衣机/洗碗机/变速/温度控制/数据运算/程序;～pilots/transmission/gears 自动驾驶仪/变速装置/排档;ships with～helmsmen 自动驾驶的船;Is the machine～? 这机器是自动的吗?〖同〗self-operating，self-moving;〖反〗manual;

(2)无意识的，机械的((of an action)done without thinking，esp as a habit;unconscious)：Breathing/The heartbeat/Her reaction is～.呼吸/心跳/她的反应是无意识的。His response was completely～.他的反映完全是下意识的。Blinking is～reaction.眨眼是下意识的反应。an～gesture 无意识的姿势;He was so used to driving that it had become～.他完全习惯开车了，一切已成了无意识的动作。〖同〗unconscious，uncontrolled;〖反〗conscious，controlled，voluntary;

(3)自然而然的(certain to happen)：get an～increase in pay every year 每年自然而然地得到加薪;These offences carry～fines.这些过错自然要罚款。～enthusiasm 自然而然产生的热情;

n(1)自动装置(机器，枪，工具)(device or machine that works by itself without needing to be operated by a person)[C]：He has two～s and a rifle.他有两支自动步枪和一支来复枪。

(2)自动变速车(car with automatic transmission)[C]：Some people who drive a lot in town prefer～s.常在城市里驾车的人有的更喜欢自动变速车。

→ ͵auto′matically adv 自动地;͵auto′mation n 自动，自动化;au′tomaton n 机器人，机械工作的人;

【辨异】automatic与involuntary都表示“非意识的”之意。automatic指对某固定刺激的不变的反应，如：The patellar reflex is～.(膝盖骨反射是无意识的。)而involuntary(无意识的，无目的的)指随情况、环境而不同的意外反应，如：an involuntary cry of pain(痛疼引起的本能反应)。