bug
oxford
views updated May 23 2018bug / bəg/ •
n. 1. a small insect. ∎ inf. a harmful microorganism, as a bacterium or virus. ∎ an illness caused by such a microorganism. ∎ fig., inf. an enthusiastic, almost obsessive, interest in something: they caught the sailing bug. 2. (also true bug) Entomol. an insect of a large order (Hemiptera) distinguished by having mouthparts that are modified for piercing and sucking. 3. a concealed miniature microphone, used for surveillance. 4. an error in a computer program or system.•
v. (bugged
, bugging
) [tr.] 1. (often be bugged) conceal a miniature microphone in (a room, telephone, etc.) in order to monitor or record someone's conversations. ∎ record or monitor (a conversation) in this way. 2. inf. annoy or bother (someone). PHRASAL VERBS: bug off inf. go away.bug out inf. 1. leave quickly. 2. chiefly fig. bulge outward.
The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English
bug
oxford
views updated May 21 2018bug1 †object of dread. XIV. The earliest of several words of similar form and meaning, the connections of which are obscure; viz. †
bog, †
boggard, (dial.)
bogle,
bogle-bo,
BUGABOO,
BUGBEAR, and the more recent
BOGEY. Comparison with W.
bwg,
bwgan ghost, hobgoblin,
bwgwl fear, threat, is inevitable, but it is uncertain how these forms are related.
The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD
bug
oxford
views updated May 18 2018bug Any member of the
insect order Hemiptera, although in the USA any insect is commonly called a bug. True bugs are flattened insects that undergo gradual or incomplete metamorphosis, have two pairs of wings and use piercing and sucking mouthparts. Most feed on plant juices, such as the greenfly, although a number attack animals and are carriers of disease.
World Encyclopedia
bug
oxford
views updated May 21 2018bug An error in a program or system. The word is usually used to mean a localized implementation error rather than, say, an error introduced at the requirements or system-design stage. See also
debugging.
A Dictionary of Computing JOHN DAINTITH
bug
oxford
views updated May 21 2018bug Bug Bible a name given to versions of the English Bible ( Coverdale's and Matthew's) in which the words in Psalm 91:5 are translated, ‘thou shalt not be afraid for any bugs by night’.
bug-eyed monster an extra-terrestrial monster with bulging eyes.
The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable ELIZABETH KNOWLES
bug
oxford
views updated May 18 2018bug2 insect, beetle; bed-bug.
Cimex lectularius. XVI. of unkn. orig.
The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD