Word
autonomic
Phoneticsau·to·nom·ic, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌɔtəˈnɑmɪk/
UK/ɔːtənˈɒmɪk/
Definition
adj. describing a system in your body that works automatically without you thinking about it. It controls things like your heartbeat and breathing.
adj. relating to the part of the nervous system that controls involuntary bodily functions such as heart rate, digestion, and respiration. Often used in medical or physiological contexts to describe processes that occur independently of conscious will.
Examples
“The autonomic nervous system controls your heartbeat.”
“During a stressful situation, the autonomic system triggers a physical response that prepares the body for action.”
“While the somatic system handles voluntary movements like walking, the autonomic system manages the internal environment, ensuring that vital organs function correctly without conscious intervention.”
Examples
simple
“The autonomic nervous system controls your heartbeat.”
contextual
“During a stressful situation, the autonomic system triggers a physical response that prepares the body for action.”
complex
“While the somatic system handles voluntary movements like walking, the autonomic system manages the internal environment, ensuring that vital organs function correctly without conscious intervention.”
Real-World Examples
“A healthy autonomic nervous system is not permanently calm; it’s able to adapt to changing circumstances.” “Illusions of movement activate the autonomic nervous system, which includes an adrenaline-fuelled fight-or-flight reaction.” “One of the proteins helps activate a range of neuropeptides involved in stress responses, anxiety, vascular tone, and autonomic nervous system activity.” Etymology
From autonomy + -ic.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/autonomic