cybernetics /sʌɪbəˈnɛtɪks/
noun. the science of communications and automatic control systems in both machines and living things.
Origin
1940s: from Greek kubernētēs ‘steersman’, from kubernan ‘to steer’.
Use over time for: cybernetics
automaton
/ɔːˈtɒmət(ə)n/
noun
plural noun: automata
– a moving mechanical device made in imitation of a human being.
“a collection of 19th century French automata: acrobats, clowns, and musicians”
– a machine which performs a range of functions according to a predetermined set of coded instructions.
“sophisticated automatons continue to run factory assembly lines”
– used in similes and comparisons to refer to a person who seems to act in a mechanical or unemotional way.
“like an automaton, she walked to the door”
Origin
early 17th century: via Latin from Greek, neuter of automatos ‘acting of itself’, from autos ‘self’.
Use over time for: automata
kinaesthetic
(US kinesthetic)
Pronunciation /ˌkʌɪnɪsˈθɛtɪk//ˌkɪnɪsˈθɛtɪk/
ADJECTIVE
Relating to a person’s awareness of the position and movement of the parts of the body by means of sensory organs (proprioceptors) in the muscles and joints.
‘kinaesthetic learning through a physical activity’
‘walking therapy can improve kinaesthetic awareness’
contingency
/kənˈtɪndʒ(ə)nsi/
noun
noun: contingency; plural noun: contingencies
– a future event or circumstance which is possible but cannot be predicted with certainty.
“a detailed contract which attempts to provide for all possible contingencies”
synonyms: eventuality, (chance)event, incident, happening, occurrence, juncture, possibility, accident, chance, emergency; More
– a provision for a possible event or circumstance.
“stores were kept as a contingency against a blockade”
– an incidental expense.
“allow an extra fifteen per cent on the budget for contingencies”
– the absence of certainty in events.
“the island’s public affairs can occasionally be seen to be invaded by contingency”
– PHILOSOPHY
the absence of necessity; the fact of being so without having to be so.
Origin
mid 16th century (in the philosophical sense): from late Latin contingentia (in its medieval Latin sense ‘circumstance’), from contingere ‘befall’ (see contingent).
Use over time for: contingency
behaviourism
bɪˈheɪvjərɪz(ə)m/
noun
PSYCHOLOGY
noun: behaviourism; noun: behaviorism
the theory that human and animal behaviour can be explained in terms of conditioning, without appeal to thoughts or feelings, and that psychological disorders are best treated by altering behaviour patterns.
treatment involving the practical application of the theory of behaviourism.
Use over time for: behaviourism
homeostasis
ˌhɒmɪə(ʊ)ˈsteɪsɪs,ˌhəʊmɪə(ʊ)ˈsteɪsɪs/
noun
noun: homeostasis; plural noun: homeostases; noun: homoeostasis; plural noun: homoeostases
– the tendency towards a relatively stable equilibrium between interdependent elements, especially as maintained by physiological processes.
Origin
1920s: modern Latin, from Greek homoios ‘like’ + -stasis.
Use over time for: homeostasis
