Autonomous Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary (original) (raw)

autonomous

/ɑˈtɑːnəməs/

adjective

Britannica Dictionary definition of AUTONOMOUS

[more autonomous; most autonomous]

1

:

existing or acting separately from other things or people

:

independent

• autonomous [=_distinct, unrelated_] historical events
• an autonomous [=_separate_] women's studies program
• Many disabled children become autonomous [=_self-sufficient_] adults.

2

:

having the power or right to govern itself

• an autonomous region/republic/territory

• elderly people who live autonomously

• a region that operates autonomously