Etymology Map
Back to all words

Automaton

3 stages from Greek to English.

Today it means a moving mechanical device that imitates a human or animal

Where does the word "automaton" come from? It comes from Greek automatos, passing through Latin before entering English (1610s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
automatos
Greek · ancient
"self-acting"
'acting of itself'; Hero of Alexandria described self-moving devices in the first century
2
Stage 2 of 3
automaton
Latin · ancient
"automaton"
a self-moving machine
3
Stage 3 of 3
automaton
English · 1610s
"mechanical figure"
clockwork automata became marvels of 1700s Europe
Drag to pan · scroll to zoom
Read the full story

Automaton’s story begins in Greek: automatos meant “self-acting.” 'acting of itself'; Hero of Alexandria described self-moving devices in the first century. By ancient, the word had taken hold in Latin as automaton. A self-moving machine. It reached English by 1610s as automaton. Clockwork automata became marvels of 1700s Europe. Today, automaton means a moving mechanical device that imitates a human or animal.