The Spanish word 'automotor' (meaning 'self-propelled') combines two ancient elements: the Greek prefix 'αὐτός' (autos) meaning 'self', and the Latin word 'motor' which comes from 'movere' meaning 'to move'. The Greek 'αὐτός' evolved into the Spanish prefix 'auto-', while the Latin 'motor' was borrowed directly into Spanish as 'motor'. When combined, these elements create a word that literally means 'self-moving' or 'self-propelled'.

Some simpler related Spanish words include 'auto' (car) and 'motor' (engine/motor). 'Auto' is a shortened form using the same Greek root meaning 'self', which became associated with automobiles. 'Motor' maintains its original Latin meaning of something that produces movement or power.

English speakers will recognize many related words: 'automobile', 'automotive', 'motor', and 'automatic' all share these ancient roots. 'Auto-' appears in many English words to indicate something self-operating or automatic, while 'motor' has the same Latin origin and meaning as its Spanish counterpart. The word 'automobile' itself follows the same pattern as 'automotor', combining 'auto' (self) with a word related to movement.