au·ton·o·my
noun \ȯ–ˈtä-nə-mē\
: the state of existing or acting separately from others
: the power or right of a country, group, etc., to govern itself
plural au·ton·o·mies
Full Definition of AUTONOMY
1: the quality or state of being self-governing; especially : the right of self-government
2: self-directing freedom and especially moral independence
3: a self-governing state
Examples of AUTONOMY
Origin of AUTONOMY
(see autonomous)
First Known Use: circa 1623
au·ton·o·my
noun \-mē\ (Medical Dictionary)
plural au·ton·o·mies
Medical Definition of AUTONOMY
1: the quality or state of being independent, free, and self-directing
2: independence from the organism as a whole in the capacity of a part for growth, reactivity, or responsiveness