- Main Entry:
- au·ton·o·my

- Pronunciation:
-
\-mē\
- Function:
- noun
- Inflected Form(s):
- plural au·ton·o·mies
- Date:
- circa 1623
1: the quality or state of being self-governing
; especially : the right of self-government2: self-directing freedom and especially moral independence3: a self-governing state