autonomic

adjective

au·​to·​nom·​ic ˌȯ-tə-ˈnä-mik 

1

: acting or occurring involuntarily

autonomic reflexes

2

: relating to, affecting, or controlled by the autonomic nervous system or its effects or activity

autonomic drugs

autonomically

ˌȯ-tə-ˈnä-mi-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of autonomic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This is because there are differences between the sexes in terms of autonomic function, metabolism, and circadian rhythm. —Julia Sullivan, Outside, 24 Feb. 2026

During her recovery, Julia Cooper was diagnosed with autonomic dysreflexia, a condition in which the body overreacts to pain or irritation, causing sudden and dangerous spikes in blood pressure. —Kennedy Cook, CBS News, 22 Feb. 2026

Training specifically for the unique autonomic signature of being the overwhelming favorite on the world’s biggest stage is far harder — and far rarer. —Amy Cuddy, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2026

Companies hijack your nervous system’s autonomic stress responses. —Christopher Elliott, Dallas Morning News, 28 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

autonomy + -ic entry 1

First Known Use

1898, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing autonomic

• autonomic nervous system

Rhymes for autonomic

• anatomic
• antidromic
• astronomic
• cryptogamic
• diatomic
• economic
• ergonomic
• gastronomic
• monatomic
• psychonomic
• subatomic
• taxonomic

Kids Definition

autonomic

adjective

au·​to·​nom·​ic ˌȯt-ə-ˈnäm-ik 

: of, relating to, controlled by, or being part of the autonomic nervous system

Medical Definition

autonomic

adjective

au·​to·​nom·​ic ˌȯt-ə-ˈnäm-ik 

1

a

: acting or occurring involuntarily

autonomic reflexes

b

: relating to, affecting, or controlled by the autonomic nervous system

autonomic ganglia

autonomic dysfunction

2

: having an effect upon tissue supplied by the autonomic nervous system

autonomic drugs

autonomically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb