Autokinetic

/ˌɔːtəʊkɪˈnetɪk/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or capable of self-directed movement; moving by itself without external force.

Etymology

From Greek 'auto-' (self) + 'kinetic' (relating to motion, from 'kinetikos'). Standard adjectival form used in biology, psychology, and physics.

Kelly Says

The autokinetic effect—where a stationary point of light in darkness appears to move—became crucial in WWI pilot training to understand how exhaustion tricks the brain into seeing motion that isn't there.

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