| 释义 |
semi-autoˈmatic, a. and n.
[semi- 1 a, 8 l.]
A. adj. Partially automatic; spec. designating a system, device, or machine whose function is not completely automatic.
1890W. James Princ. Psychol. I. 5 The performances of animal instinct seem semi-automatic, and the reflex acts of self-preservation certainly are so. 1908J. G. Horner Encycl. Pract. Engin., Semi-Automatic.—This is practically identical in meaning with the term self-acting. It signifies a machine, some of the movements only of which are automatic, and which therefore requires constant attendance. 1937[see chrome n. 1 b]. 1970Computers & Humanities IV. 351 Scope: To make more specific and semiautomatic the testing technique of scientific works, intensive critique of books and other lengthy works.
2. Specialized uses.
a. Of a type of lathe: that can perform a number of distinct operations on a given work-piece without intervention from an operator.
1903T. R. Shaw Lathes, Screw Machines, Boring & Turning Mills xii. 505 A semi-automatic lathe, having four spindles, is illustrated. 1950S. J. Gibson in A. W. Judge Centre, Capstan & Automatic Lathes II. iv. 181 The ‘Maximatic’..is semi-automatic only in the sense that the loading is done by hand.
b. Mil. Of a firearm: that loads itself or performs part of the loading operation automatically, but does not fire continuously.
1911H. A. Bethell Mod. Artillery in Field i. 15 Semi-Automatic Actions.—In these the breech opens automatically during the run up, and ejects the cartridge case. 1945C. E. Balleisen Princ. Firearms i. 2 Most ‘automatic’ pistols are only semiautomatic. 1976J. Wainwright Walther P. 38 7 The Luger..was a semi-automatic pistol... Its trigger had to be squeezed for each shot.
c. Applied to a telephone system of which the operation is automatic except that dialing of the required number is done by an operator (see quots.).
1912J. Poole Pract. Telephone Handbk. (ed. 5) xxxii. 536 Semi-automatic systems are in use on the Continent, and also in some towns in America, but not to any great extent. 1927C. W. Wilman Man. Automatic Telephony xxii. 219 It is claimed for semi-automatic systems that many of the advantages of automatic systems, such as the rapidity of connection and instantaneous clearing, are retained, while the subscribers are relieved of the duty of dialling. 1976T. H. Flowers Introd. Exchange Systems iii. 65 It was asserted that if a subscriber paid for service as he did, it was not right and was even dishonest to make him do his own operating, so semi-automatic exchanges with operators to do the dialling was the right thing.
B. n.
1. A semi-automatic lathe.
1902Lockwood's Dict. Mech. Engin. (ed. 3) 444 Semi-automatics, these constitute a large class of machines which occupy a middle position between the..‘full’ automatic machines and those which involve the constant attendance of an operator. 1963N. Weinstein tr. Boguslavsky's Automatic & Semi-Automatic Lathes i. 32 If internal surfaces are to be machined in addition to external surfaces, semi-automatics having a central end-working toolslide, or a turret are employed.
2. A semi-automatic firearm.
1964H. L. Peterson Encycl. Firearms 31/2 In 1916, the Germans introduced a limited number of Mauser semi-automatic rifles. The French followed in 1917, with the Saint-Étienne gas-operated semi-automatic. 1978S. Brill Teamsters vi. 239 The gunman reached down, held the High Standard semiautomatic against Mrs. Rand's chin and fired three more shots. |