robot

English

/ˈɹəʊbɒt/, /ˈɹoʊbɑt/, /ˈɹoʊbət/

noun
Definitions
  • A machine built to carry out some complex task or group of tasks by physically moving, especially one which can be programmed.
  • (chiefly) An intelligent mechanical being designed to look like a human or other creature, and usually made from metal.
  • (figuratively) A person who does not seem to have any emotions.
  • (South Africa) A traffic light (from earlier robot policeman).
  • (surveying) A theodolite which follows the movements of a prism and can be used by a one-man crew.
  • (dance) A style of dance popular in disco in which the dancer imitates the stiff movements of a stereotypical android robot.

Etymology

Borrowed from Czech robot root from Proto-Indo-European *h₃erbʰ- (change ownership, change allegiance status ownership, change evolve status, orphan, child slave servant).

Origin

Proto-Indo-European

*h₃erbʰ-

Gloss

change ownership, change allegiance status ownership, change evolve status, orphan, child slave servant

Concept
Semantic Field

Kinship

Ontological Category

Person/Thing

Emoji

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms