'autonetics' originates from Greek elements: specifically the prefix 'auto-' from Greek 'autos' meaning 'self', combined with the suffix '-netics' modeled on words like 'cybernetics' (from Greek 'kybernetes' meaning 'steersman').

'autonetics' is a modern English coinage (mid-20th century) formed as a technical/trade name influenced by terms such as 'cybernetics' and 'kinetics'; it became used as a company or division name in the aerospace and defense industries.

Initially formed to evoke the sense of 'self-regulating' or 'self-controlled' systems (self + control/steering), the term has been used primarily as a corporate/trade name referring to businesses producing guidance, inertial navigation, and avionics equipment.