AUTOPILOT Meaning and
Definition
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Autopilot is a noun that refers to a device or system that controls the operation of a vehicle or machine without direct human input. It is primarily used in the context of aviation and refers to a feature that enables an aircraft to navigate, maintain a steady course, and perform certain functions without constant pilot intervention. Autopilot systems in airplanes are designed to automatically control the aircraft's altitude, speed, and direction based on pre-programmed instructions or inputs from various sensors such as accelerometers, gyroscopes, and GPS.
In a broader sense, autopilot can also be used to describe similar systems found in other vehicles like boats or cars, where it takes over some or all of the control of the vehicle from the human operator. These systems typically use a combination of sensors, computer algorithms, and actuators to recognize and respond to the vehicle's surroundings and navigate accordingly.
Beyond transportation, autopilot is sometimes used metaphorically to describe situations or actions where someone is acting without conscious control or thought, often as a result of habit or routine. It implies an automatic or mechanical behavior that doesn't require active cognitive processing.
In summary, autopilot refers to a device or system that enables an aircraft or other vehicle to operate and navigate without constant human intervention, either through pre-programmed instructions or by sensing and responding to its environment.
Common Misspellings for AUTOPILOT
Etymology of AUTOPILOT
The word "autopilot" is formed by combining two separate terms: "auto" and "pilot".
The term "auto" is derived from the Greek word "autos", meaning "self". It has been adopted into many languages and is commonly used to refer to something that operates automatically or independently.
The word "pilot" originates from the French "pilote", which came from the Medieval Latin word "pilotus". "Pilotus" was derived from the Greek word "pēdon", meaning "oarsman" or "helm". Initially, the term was used to describe individuals who steer ships or guide vessels through navigation.
When these two terms are combined, "autopilot" can be understood as "self-steerer" or "self-guided". It refers to a system or device that can control the navigation and operation of an aircraft, vehicle, or ship without constant human intervention.
Idioms with the word AUTOPILOT
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on autopilot
The idiom "on autopilot" refers to performing a task or activity without conscious effort or thought. It is often used to describe a situation where someone is doing something automatically, without needing to think too much about it, typically due to familiarity or repetition.
Similar spelling words for AUTOPILOT
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