The first “auto” in the dictionary is the shortened form of “automobile,” a vehicle whose name reflects its ability to move by itself. Of course, most of them can’t drive themselves — not yet, anyway.
Other “auto-” terms (from the Greek “autos” for “self”) involving motor vehicles are “autobus,” usually just called a “bus” now; “automaker,” which refers to a company that makes such vehicles; “autoworker,” one of the people who actually do the making; “autobahn,” an expressway in Germany and Austria; and “autostrada,” an expressway in Italy.
Among other products of “automation” are such self-operating machines and devices as the “autoclave,” “autogiro” and “autopilot.”
One that’s all but vanished is the “automat,” a kind of restaurant offering food in small compartments with coin-operated doors. Today we have vending machines, and who knows where the food is made?
