a branch of film and theatre technology that combines traditional puppetry techniques with electronics to create lifelike animated effects
Word origin
C20: from anima(tion) + (elec)tronics
animatronics in American English
(ˌænəməˈtrɑnɪks)
noun
(used with a sing v.)
the technology connected with the use of electronics to animate puppets or other figures, as for motion pictures
Derived forms
animatronic
adjective
Word origin
[1975–80; b. animate and electronics]This word is first recorded in the period 1975–80. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: gridlock, hybridoma, noogie, retrovirus, videotex
Examples of 'animatronics' in a sentence
animatronics
Animatronics was becoming a bit of a dead-end career.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
There are good displays and eerily lifelike animatronics.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
Featuring animatronics, it is not suitable for under-7s.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Then, running shoes, axes, racing karts and animatronics.
The Sun (2010)
Animatronics, installations and a sensory display.