automatic pilot

automatic pilot

n.

1. A navigation mechanism, as on an aircraft, that automatically maintains a preset course.

2. A state of mind in which one acts without deliberate effort or self-awareness: "men who are, sexually speaking, on automatic pilot" (Gloria Steinem).

automatic pilot

n

1. (Aeronautics) Also called: autopilot a device that automatically maintains an aircraft on a preset course

2. on automatic pilot informal acting without conscious thought because of tiredness, shock, or familiarity with the task being performed

au′tomat′ic pi′lot

n.

an electronic control system, as on an aircraft, spacecraft, or ship, that automatically maintains a preset heading and attitude.

Also called autopilot.

[1915–20]

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	automatic pilot - a cognitive state in which you act without self-awareness; "she went about her chores on automatic pilot"; "too much of the writing seems to have been done on automatic pilot"; "she talked and he dozed and my mind went on autopilot" autopilot unconsciousness - a state lacking normal awareness of the self or environment
	2.	automatic pilot - a navigational device that automatically keeps ships or planes or spacecraft on a steady course robot pilot, autopilot device - an instrumentality invented for a particular purpose; "the device is small enough to wear on your wrist"; "a device intended to conserve water" inertial guidance system, inertial navigation system - a system to control a plane or spacecraft; uses inertial forces

Translations

automatic pilot

n on automatic pilot (Aer) (fig) → con pilota automatico