lo.'tm-ettenl

(1) An automatic machine, especially a robot. (2) An individual who acts mechanically. The idea of the automaton has fascinated people for many centuries. A traveler to the emperor's court in Byzantium in A.D. 949 reported that mechanical birds sat in a golden tree singing the songs of their species; that mechanical lions flanked the throne, roaring and switching their great tails; and that, as he stood watching, the emperor's throne suddenly shot upward toward the high ceiling, and when it slowly descended the emperor was wearing new robes. Early automata (notice the common plural form) often relied on water, steam, or falling weights to power them. Today automata, often called robots, are used in manufacturing plants to build not only vehicles but also much smaller electronic equipment.

i.o.t.-im:yini

Of, relating to, or caused by antibodies that attack molecules, cells, or tissues of the organism producing them. Any healthy body produces a variety of antibodies, proteins in the blood whose job is to protect the body from unwanted bacteria, viruses, and cancer cells. The cells and organs that deal with such infections make up the immune system. In some people and animals, for various reasons, the antibodies become overactive and turn on the body's healthy tissues as well; the result is an autoimmune disease—an immune response directed against one's own self. More than eighty autoimmune diseases have been identified, the best-known being type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis.

lo.'t-ne.mel

(1) The power or right of self-government. (2) Self-directing freedom, especially moral independence. Since *nomos* is Greek for “law,” something *autonomous* makes its own laws. The amount of autonomy enjoyed by French-speaking Quebec, or of Palestinians in certain towns in Israel, or of independent-minded regions of Russia, have become major issues. The autonomy of individual states in the United States has posed serious constitutional questions for two centuries. The autonomy of children is almost always limited by their parents. But when those parents are elderly and begin driving poorly and getting confused about their finances, their children may see the need to limit their autonomy in much the same way.

A condition that begins in childhood and causes problems in forming social relationships and in communicating with others and includes behavior in which certain activities are constantly repeated. Autism, in its strict sense, becomes evident before the age of 3. The autistic child generally refuses to talk, becomes obsessive about toys, resists any change vehemently, and sometimes flies into unexplained rages. Autism is believed to be biological in origin, and seems to be related to several milder conditions such as Asperger's syndrome. As many as 1 in 100 children, mostly boys, may have autism, Asperger's, or a related condition. About one in ten autistic children turns out to have a remarkable mental gift, such as the ability to play a difficult piece on the piano after a single hearing or repair a complex machine without any training. Many *autistic* children seem to grow out of it as they become adults, and some autistic adults manage to live independently. *Autistic* is sometimes used loosely to describe a much more common kind of psychological withdrawal in adults.

(1) To be a source of pleasure or satisfaction; give pleasure or satisfaction to. (2) To give in to; indulge or satisfy. A *gratifying* experience is quietly pleasing or satisfying. But gratifying an impulse means giving in to it, which isn't always such a good idea, and “instant *gratification*” of every desire will result in a life based on junk food and worse. Truly gratifying experiences and accomplishments usually are the result of time and effort.

igrs.:ti.a.tel

Something, especially a tip, given freely. *Gratuity* is a fancier and more formal word than *tip.* It occurs most often in written notices along the lines of “Gratuities accepted.” Its formality makes it best suited for describing tips of the dignified, expensive variety. For the taxi driver who takes you to the superb Belgian restaurant, it's a tip; for the restaurant's maitre d', it's a gratuity.

igrs.:ti.a.tesl

Not called for by the circumstances. In its original sense, *gratuitous* can refer to anything given freely, like a tip. But the word now almost always applies to something that's seen as not only unnecessary (like a tip, which you don't really have to give) but also unwelcome. To insult or criticize someone *gratuitously* is to make a hurtful remark that's uncalled for and undeserved. But scenes in a film that you yourself might call gratuitous were, unfortunately, probably put there to attract an audience that wants to see them.

in.gra.sha-ttt

To gain favor or acceptance by making a deliberate effort. To ingratiate yourself is to put yourself in someone's good *graces*—that is, to gain someone's approval. People often try to ingratiate themselves by engaging in an activity known by such names as *bootlicking, apple-polishing,* and *brownnosing.* But some people are able to win favor just by relying on their *ingratiating* smiles.