I. ˈbīt verb
( bit ˈbit ; bit·ten ˈbi-t ə n ; also bit ; bit·ing ˈbī-tiŋ)
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English bītan; akin to Old High German bīzan to bite, Latin findere to split
Date: before 12th century
transitive verb
1.
a. : to seize especially with teeth or jaws so as to enter, grip, or wound
b. : to wound, pierce, or sting especially with a fang or a proboscis
2. : to cut or pierce with or as if with an edged weapon
3. : to cause sharp pain or stinging discomfort to
4. : to take hold of
5. archaic : to take in : cheat
intransitive verb
1. : to bite or have the habit of biting something
2. of a weapon or tool : to cut, pierce, or take hold
3. : to cause irritation or smarting
4. : corrode
5.
a. of fish : to take a bait
b. : to respond so as to be caught (as by a trick)
c. : to accept a suggestion or an offer
offered them a deal but they wouldn't bite
6. : to take or maintain a firm hold
7. : to produce a negative effect
the recession began to bite
8. slang : to be objectionable or extremely bad in quality : stink , suck
• bit·er ˈbī-tər noun
•
- bite off more than one can chew
- bite one's tongue
- bite the bullet
- bite the dust
- bite the hand that feeds one
II. noun
Date: 15th century
1.
a. : the act of biting
b. : the manner of biting ; especially : occlusion 1b
2. : food : as
a. : the amount of food taken at a bite : morsel
b. : a small amount of food : snack
have a bite to eat
3. archaic
a. : cheat , trick
b. : sharper
4. : a wound made by biting
5. : the hold or grip by which friction is created or purchase is obtained
6. : a surface that creates friction or is brought into contact with another for the purpose of obtaining a hold
7.
a. : a keen incisive quality
b. : a sharp penetrating effect
8. : a single exposure of an etcher's plate to the corrosive action of acid
9. : an amount taken usually in one operation for one purpose : share
10. : sound bite