autonavigators
|au-to-na-vi-ga-tors|
🇺🇸
/ˌɔːtəˈnævɪɡeɪtər/
🇬🇧
/ˌɔːtəˈnævɪɡeɪtə/
(autonavigator)
self-guiding navigation system
Etymology
'autonavigator' originates from a modern English formation, specifically combining 'auto' and 'navigator', where 'auto' derives from Greek 'autos' meaning 'self' and 'navigator' derives from Latin 'navigare' meaning 'to sail'.
'autonavigator' developed by joining the combining form 'auto-' (from Greek 'autos') with the English noun 'navigator' (from Latin 'navigare' via Medieval/Old French forms). The compound is a recent English coinage reflecting technological use.
Initially, the root 'navigate' primarily meant 'to sail or steer a ship'; over time its sense broadened to directing the course of any vehicle and then to systems that perform that function automatically. 'Autonavigator' now specifically denotes an automated or self-directed navigation system.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
plural form of 'autonavigator': devices or systems that navigate autonomously (without direct human control), using sensors, maps, and software to determine position and course.
The autonavigators aboard the research vessels kept the fleet on course through dense fog.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/11/27 08:31