Agency Dictionary
android
nounPronunciation: /ˈæn.drɔɪd/
In Portuguese: androide
Technology & AIWhat does “android” mean?
A robot or synthetic organism designed to possess human form, movement, or intelligent behavior.
Etymology
From modern Latin androides, formed from Greek aner, genitive andros ("man"), and the ending -eides ("having the form of"), from eidos ("form, likeness"). The word is found in English from the 18th century, applied to automata built in human shape. Science fiction of the 20th century gave it the present sense of an artificial being that looks and acts like a person, and shortened it to droid.
Usage note
With a capital letter, Android is the name of a mobile operating system; the common noun is written in lower case.
Synonyms
- humanoid
- robot
- automaton
- droid
Often confused with
- robot
- A robot is any machine that carries out tasks automatically; an android is a robot made to look human.
- cyborg
- A cyborg is a living organism with mechanical or electronic parts; an android is wholly artificial.
Word family
- droid
Usage examples
The original story was written by Philip K. Dick in the book “Do Androids Dream Of Electric Sheep?”
Source editions
Where this entry comes from in the Agency editorial.
Words of the same theme
- Buttonnoun
- A physical or graphical control element that triggers an immediate action or command when pressed or clicked. In software interfaces, buttons communicate system affordances through visual boundaries and labels.
- Screennoun
- A flat physical display surface on an electronic device that projects visual images, interfaces, and text to a viewer. It serves as the primary visual output medium for modern personal computers and mobile phones.
- Rendernoun
- A finished two-dimensional image or video generated from a three-dimensional mathematical scene by computer software. It synthesizes geometric coordinates, lighting algorithms, textures, and shading into final pixels.
- aqueductnoun
- An engineered conduit or bridge designed to convey water from distant freshwater springs into urban centers using gravity flow.
- Assistantnoun
- A person or computational software program that provides aid, support, or automated services to facilitate work and handle routine tasks.
- asynchronousadjective
- Not occurring at the same time or coordinated simultaneously, describing workflows or interactions handled independently across time.
- Compassnoun
- A navigational instrument equipped with a magnetized needle indicating magnetic north and other cardinal directions. Metaphorically, it designates an ethical principle or core belief providing personal guidance.
- Consolenoun
- A text-based command interface inside computer software where system operators and players enter manual code commands. In video games, opening the console allows users to modify internal variables and enter cheats.
- Databasenoun
- A structured, organized collection of digitized data stored electronically in a computer system and accessible through various retrieval and querying mechanisms.
- Deflectornoun
- A device or shield designed to redirect the path of an oncoming particle, projectile, or beam of energy. In science fiction, it denotes protective barriers.
Also from these editions: terms
- syntheticadjective
- Produced by artificial or chemical synthesis rather than originating from natural or organic processes.
- binaryadjective
- Relating to or composed of two things, specifically a computational numbering system using base two digits.
- constructnoun
- A complex idea, mental framework, or artificial system deliberately built from simpler elements.
- dystopianoun
- An imagined state or society characterized by pervasive human suffering, totalitarian rule, or ecological ruin.
- Epiphanynoun
- A moment of sudden and profound intuitive comprehension, clarity, or essential insight.
- esportsnoun
- Organized, competitive video gaming played at professional levels before audiences both online and in stadiums.
- gamifiedadjective
- Modified by the addition of game elements, challenges, and reward structures to encourage participation.
- melatoninnoun
- A hormone produced by the pineal gland that regulates the sleep-wake cycle in response to darkness.
- pinealadjective
- Relating to the pineal gland, a small endocrine organ in the brain that secretes melatonin.
- symbiosisnoun
- An interaction or close living relationship between two different organisms or systems, often mutually beneficial.
- transmediaadjective
- Relating to storytelling or branding that extends cohesively across multiple entertainment formats and platforms.
Also from these editions: concepts
- William GibsonWilliam Gibson is an American-Canadian writer of science fiction, author of the novel Neuromancer. In the Agency editorial, Issue.9 recommends Neuromancer in its…
- Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? is a book by Philip K. Dick. In Issue.9, the edition names it as the original story behind Blade Runner, the 1982 film that…
- Geralt of RiviaGeralt of Rivia is the monster hunter at the centre of The Witcher, the books by Andrzej Sapkowski and the video games made from them. In the Agency editorial he appears…
- Harrison FordHarrison Ford is an American actor, born in 1942, known for playing Han Solo in Star Wars and Indiana Jones. Issue.9 names him once, in the section 9.3.4 Cinema, to…
- Henry JenkinsHenry Jenkins is an American media scholar, born in 1958, and the author of Convergence Culture. Issue.9 names him once, in the section 9.3.5 TV, as the person who first…
- KratosKratos is the protagonist of the God of War video game series. In the Agency editorial he appears once, in Issue.9, where the author lists the lives he lived inside…
- Philip K. DickPhilip K. Dick (1928 to 1982) was an American science fiction writer. Issue.9 names him once, in the section 9.3.4 Cinema, as the writer of the book Do Androids Dream of…
- Rick DeckardRick Deckard is the protagonist of the film Blade Runner, a detective and android hunter played by Harrison Ford. The Agency editorial names him once, in Issue.9, in the…
- WarriorsWarriors is a song by Imagine Dragons listed in the Chords music recommendation section of Issue.9. The edition presents the song with its title and band name, with no…
- Circadian RhythmThe circadian rhythm is the internal biological clock that regulates physiological processes, sleep patterns, and hormone release on an approximate twenty-four-hour…
- Computer ArchitectureComputer architecture is the conceptual design and fundamental operational structure of a computing system. It specifies how the central processing unit, memory modules…
- CyberpunkCyberpunk is a subgenre of science fiction set in dystopian futures characterized by advanced technological systems juxtaposed with severe social decline. It interrogates…