What signifies "automatic fire"?

Automatic fire is characterized by the weapon continuously discharging rounds as long as the trigger is held down. This capability allows for the rapid firing of ammunition without the need for the shooter to release and pull the trigger for each individual shot. This feature is primarily associated with specific firearms designed for automatic or select-fire modes, enabling a higher volume of fire in a shorter period.

This is distinct from other firing modes, such as semi-automatic fire, where the firearm fires one round each time the trigger is pulled and then resets for the next shot. Understanding this definition is crucial for distinguishing between various types of firearms and their firing capabilities.