Crossword Genius

A familiar name in automation (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tom

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'a familiar name' is the definition.
'Tom' can be an answer for 'name'. I am unsure of the 'a familiar' bit.

'in automation' is the wordplay.
'in' indicates a hidden word.
'TOM' is hidden in the letters of 'automation'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for tom that I've seen before include "Queen's mate" , "Hoyden" , "Repeated twice, this becomes an African drum" , "Cruise" , "Pig-stealing piper's son" .)

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