a visual illusion occurring in low light, in which a stationary bright spot appears to be moving
autokinesis in American English
(ˌɔtoukɪˈnisɪs, -kai-)
noun
Physiology
voluntary movement
Derived forms
autokinetic (ˌɔtoukɪˈnetɪk, -kai-)
adjective
Word origin
[1895–1900; auto-1 + kinesis]This word is first recorded in the period 1895–1900. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: backstage, frame of reference, hit-and-run, neon, slapstickauto- is a combining form meaning “self,” “same,” “spontaneous,” used in the formationof compound words. Other words that use the affix auto- include: autochrome, autochthon, autocrat, autonomous, autorotation