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Bug Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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bug

[bสŒษก ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

insect

An insect of a large order distinguished by having mouthparts that are adapted for piercing and sucking.

Synonyms

beetle, creepy-crawly, insect.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bug

Refers to a small insect in general and can also be used to describe an error in software. This term is informal.

  • I found a bug in my salad
  • There's a bug in the new software update
insect

A broad, formal term used to describe any small arthropod with a three-part body. Suitable for scientific or general contexts.

  • Insects are crucial for pollination
  • The study of insects is known as entomology
beetle

Specifically refers to a type of insect with a hard shell-like back. Often used when discussing biology or nature.

  • The garden is full of colorful beetles
  • We studied beetles in our biology class
creepy-crawly

Informal and often used to describe small insects or arthropods that move in a way that might make someone uncomfortable. Usually has a negative or spooky connotation.

  • There are creepy-crawlies all over the basement
  • Kids usually get scared of creepy-crawlies

Examples of usage

  • The garden was full of bugs.
  • She screamed when she saw the bug crawling on the wall.
Context #2 | Noun

computer

An error in a computer program or system.

Synonyms

error, flaw, glitch.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bug

Commonly used in the field of software development to describe a mistake or fault in a program that causes it to produce incorrect or unexpected results. It is the most general term among the group.

  • The new update fixed a major bug in the system
  • Thereโ€™s a bug in the software that causes it to crash
error

Used to describe a mistake more formally, both in computing and general contexts. It implies something that deviates from accuracy or correctness.

  • I made an error in my calculations
  • The program halted due to an unexpected error
glitch

Refers to a minor, temporary malfunction in a system, often in electronics or digital technology. It is often considered less severe than a 'bug' or 'error'.

  • There was a glitch in the game that caused my character to freeze
  • The system experienced a minor glitch but is now functioning properly
flaw

Describes a defect or weakness in a more general sense. It can be used in various contexts, from software to physical objects, and often implies a fundamental problem.

  • The design has a critical flaw that needs to be addressed
  • There's a flaw in your argument that makes it invalid

Examples of usage

  • I found a bug in the code that was causing the program to crash.
  • She reported the bug to the tech support team.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • There are more than 1 million known species of insects, making up about 80% of all animal life on Earth.
  • Some bugs, like ladybugs, are helpful because they eat pests that can harm plants.

Pop Culture

  • Bugs Bunny is a famous cartoon character known for his cleverness and catchphrase, 'What's up, Doc?'
  • The movie 'A Bug's Life' tells the story of ants battling against grasshoppers, showcasing teamwork and bravery.

Technology

  • The infamous 'Y2K bug' was a computer programming error that caused fears of catastrophic computer failures at the turn of the millennium.
  • Modern software development often involves 'debugging', a process of finding and fixing bugs to ensure programs run smoothly.

Nature

  • Butterflies and moths belong to the insect family, showcasing the incredible transformation process known as metamorphosis.
  • Some bugs can glow, like fireflies, due to a special chemical reaction in their bodies, making them seem magical at night.

Origin of 'bug'

Main points about word origin

  • The term originated from the Old English word 'bugge', which means 'ghost' or 'scary creature'.
  • In the 1940s, computer scientists began using 'bug' to refer to errors in programming, inspired by real insects that interrupted their work.

The word 'bug' has a fascinating history. In its insect meaning, it dates back to the 1620s, originally used to refer to a monster. The computer-related meaning originated in the 1940s during the early days of computing, when an actual moth caused a malfunction in a computer, leading to the term 'bug' for system errors.

See also: buggy, bugle, bugs.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,929, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.