definition of
autonomous

[1] #1 autonomous s. [independent, self-governing, sovereign] (of political bodies) not controlled by outside forces; "an autonomous judiciary"; "a sovereign state". wn

[2] #2 autonomous s. existing as an independent entity; "the partitioning of India created two separate and autonomous jute economies". wn

[3] #3 autonomous s. [self-directed, self-reliant] (of persons) free from external control and constraint in e.g. action and judgment. wn