autospray
|au-to-spray|
🇺🇸
/ˈɔːtoʊspreɪ/
🇬🇧
/ˈɔːtəʊspreɪ/
self-operated sprayer
Etymology
'autospray' originates from Modern English, formed as a compound of the combining form 'auto-' and the noun 'spray'; 'auto-' comes from Greek 'autos' meaning 'self', and 'spray' comes from Middle English words meaning 'to scatter' or 'sprinkle'.
'auto-' entered English as a combining form from Greek 'autos' in modern usage; 'spray' developed in Middle English (e.g. 'spreye'/'spreay') from older Germanic/Scandinavian roots; in the late 20th century these elements were combined in technical contexts to form the compound 'autospray'.
The compound originally and consistently meant the combination 'self' + 'spray' — i.e., a self-operating spraying device or the action of spraying automatically; its meaning has remained essentially technical and literal.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a device, system, or machine that applies a liquid (paint, pesticide, disinfectant, etc.) by spraying automatically, often as part of an automated production or treatment process.
The factory installed an autospray to coat the parts evenly.
Synonyms
Verb 1
to apply a liquid by means of an autospray or automatic spraying system; to spray something automatically.
They autospray the seedlings with fertilizer every week.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/11/28 21:52