1. (of political bodies) not controlled by outside forces
   "an autonomous judiciary";
   - independent, self-governing, sovereign
    
2. Existing as an independent entity
   "the partitioning of India created two separate and autonomous jute economies"
    
3. (of persons) free from external control and constraint in e.g. action and judgment
   "The autonomous learner created her own study schedule";
   - self-directed, self-reliant
    
4. Capable of operating independently and making decisions without direct human intervention
   "The autonomous vehicle navigated through city traffic"

See also: free, independent

Encyclopedia: Autonomous