automatic transmission
7
3.7
- noun
- /ˈɔːtəmætɪk trænzˈmɪʃən/
- Specialized
:
transmisión automática
- The automatic transmission shifts gears smoothly without the need for the driver to manually change them.
- four-speed automatic transmission
- five-speed automatic transmission
- automatic transmission fluid
Examples
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I'll take mine in red with an automatic transmission.
Blog text (31) -
The 2013 Sonic is available with a 6-speed manual or an optional 6-speed automatic transmission.
Blog text (18) -
Does it have automatic transmission?
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The only problem with Max's driving I was aware of was one that developed when he bought a new car with an automatic transmission.
Academic text (1990) -
This is a rented U-Haul with an automatic transmission.
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For the longest automatic transmission life, have the fluid and filter changed every two years or 24,000 miles.
Blog text (34) -
The automatic transmissions in many newer vehicles are sealed, the fluid intended for lifetime use in normal operation.
Blog text (3) -
The automatic transmission has made driving a car much less of a test of mechanical aptitude and foot/arm coordination.
Academic text (2000) -
And starting next year, Marchionne revealed, Chrysler will launch its new 9-speed automatic transmission with the replacement for the Jeep Liberty.
Blog text (10) -
Both turbo diesels are available with a six-speed automatic transmission or a six-speed manual gearbox.
Blog text (24)
Synonyms
1
3.9
A machine that works by itself, like a car transmission
A car system that changes gears by itself based on speed
A car gearbox that changes gears automatically without the driver using the clutch
How Automated
- Specialized
7
3.7
- US
1
4.1
Surface Forms
Morphology
The phrase is a straightforward adjective + noun composition: 'automatic' (functioning with little human input) modifies 'transmission' (gearbox), so the meaning 'a gearbox that shifts gears automatically' is directly derivable from the parts. This follows common noun phrase patterns and has clear cross-linguistic parallels (e.g., Spanish 'transmisión automática'), so a B1 learner who knows both constituents will understand it.
Etymology
The noun automatic transmission comes from a simple idea: automatic means it works by itself and transmission is the part that sends power from the engine to the wheels. So it refers to the car system that 'changes gears' for the driver, and the driver does not have to shift manually.