gremlin

views updated May 21 2018

grem·lin / ˈgremlin/ • n. inf. an imaginary mischievous sprite regarded as responsible for an unexplained problem or fault, esp. a mechanical or electronic one: a gremlin in my computer omitted a line. ∎  such a problem or fault.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

gremlin

views updated May 21 2018

gremlin an imaginary mischievous sprite regarded as responsible for an unexplained problem or fault, especially a mechanical or electronic one. From the 1940s, originally as RAF slang, and perhaps suggested by goblin.

The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable ELIZABETH KNOWLES

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