bug  (bŭg) 
n. A true bug. An insect or similar organism, such as a centipede or an earwig. See Regional Note at lightning bug. A disease-producing microorganism: a flu bug. The illness or disease so produced: "stomach flu, a cold, or just some bug going around" (David Smollar). A defect or difficulty, as in a system or design. Computer Science A defect in the code or routine of a program.
A defect or difficulty, as in a system or design. Computer Science A defect in the code or routine of a program.
An enthusiasm or obsession: got bitten by the writing bug. An enthusiast or devotee; a buff: a model train bug. An electronic listening device, such as a hidden microphone or wiretap, used in surveillance: planted a bug in the suspect's room.
v.
bugged, bug·ging, bugs
v.
intr.
To grow large; bulge: My eyes bugged when I saw the mess.
v.
tr.
To annoy; pester. To prey on; worry: a memory that bugged me for years.
To equip (a room or telephone circuit, for example) with a concealed electronic listening device. To make (the eyes) bulge or grow large. To leave or quit, usually in a hurry. To avoid a responsibility or duty. Often used with on or of: bugged out on his partners at the first sign of trouble.
Phrasal Verb(s):
bug off Slang To leave someone alone; go away.
bug out Slang To leave or quit, usually in a hurry. To avoid a responsibility or duty. Often used with on or of: bugged out on his partners at the first sign of trouble.
Idiom(s):
put a bug in (someone's) ear Informal To impart useful information to (another) in a subtle, discreet way.
[Origin unknown.]
bug'ger n. |
