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autonomic

adjective

au·​to·​nom·​ic ˌȯ-tə-ˈnä-mik How to pronounce autonomic (audio)
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 adverb

Examples of autonomic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Sensations in our periphery (light, motion, temperature) compete with those at the level of autonomic (heart rate, breath rate) and metabolic systems (hunger, thirst), and even ongoing emotional and psychological concerns (a recent embarrassment or relationship trouble). Literary Hub, 25 Nov. 2025 In some chronic human cases, the parasite also damages the autonomic nerves controlling the GI tract. New Atlas, 11 Oct. 2025 That's why emerging research reframes happiness not as a fleeting emotion, but as a full-body physiological state, shaped by autonomic rhythms, gut ecosystem, sleep patterns and digital habits. Ximena Araya-Fischel, Forbes.com, 27 July 2025 Your central autonomic network activates, increasing heart rate and breathing. Kelly Burch Published, Verywell Health, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for autonomic

Word History

Etymology

autonomy + -ic entry 1

First Known Use

1898, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of autonomic was in 1898

Cite this Entry

“Autonomic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/autonomic. Accessed 3 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

autonomic

adjective
au·​to·​nom·​ic ˌȯt-ə-ˈnäm-ik How to pronounce autonomic (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce autonomic (audio)
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 adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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