semiautomático

semi-automatic

adjective seh-mee-ow-toh-MAH-tee-koh Rare

Usage Note

Semiautomático describes a system that is partly automatic — most commonly applied to firearms (pistola semiautomática) or washing machines (lavadora semiautomática). It is invariable in terms of endings beyond regular gender agreement: arma semiautomática (f), rifle semiautomático (m). The prefix semi- is productive in Spanish and always written as one word with the following element.

Examples

"Portaba una pistola semiautomática."

Natural Translation

He carried a semi-automatic pistol.

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