In the 18th century, the Swedish government made coffee and its paraphernalia (including cups and dishes) illegal for its supposed ties to rebellious sentiment.
AUTOMATISM
automatism
(noun) any reaction that occurs automatically without conscious thought or reflection (especially the undirected behavior seen in psychomotor epilepsy)
Source: WordNet® 3.1
Etymology
Noun
automatism (countable and uncountable, plural automatisms)
Acting automatically or involuntarily.
The power of initiating vital processes from within the cell, organ, or organism, independent of external stimulus.
The doctrine that animals are automata, operating according to mechanical laws.
(psychology) An action performed subconsciously, without any apparent direction from the mind; a thought which appears spontaneously in one's consciousness.
(art) A surrealist painting technique whereby one attempts to move the brush, pen etc. without conscious control over it.
Source: Wiktionary
Au*tom"a*tism, n.
Definition: The state or quality of being automatic; the power of self- moving; automatic, mechanical, or involuntary action. (Metaph.) A theory as to the activity of matter.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition
Recent Word Finds
Word of the Day
28 March 2025
HOST
(noun) a person who invites guests to a social event (such as a party in his or her own home) and who is responsible for them while they are there
Coffee Trivia