automaton

Etymology

From Ancient Greek αὐτόματον (autómaton), neuter of αὐτόματος (autómatos, “self moving, self willed”). Doublet of automat.

noun

1. A machine or robot designed to follow a precise sequence of instructions.
2. A person who acts like a machine or robot, often defined as having a monotonous lifestyle and lacking in emotion.
   Due to her strict adherence to her daily schedule, Jessica was becoming more and more convinced that she was an automaton.
   July 12, 1816, Thomas Jefferson, letter to Samuel Kercheval Monticello A departure from principle in one instance becomes a precedent for a second, that second for a third, and so on 'til the bulk of the society is reduced to be mere automatons of misery, to have no sensibilities left but for sinning and suffering.
3. A formal system, such as a finite-state machine or cellular automaton.
4. A toy in the form of a mechanical figure.
5. (dated) The self-acting power of the muscular and nervous systems, by which movement is effected without intelligent determination.