bite

²bite

noun

Definition of BITE

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

Examples of BITE

1. He ate the candy bar in three quick bites.
2. She gave her lip a gentle bite.
3. The fisherman felt a bite at the end of his line and reeled in a fish.
4. My teenage daughter wears a special device at night to correct her bite.
5. Don't scratch that mosquito bite.

First Known Use of BITE

15th century

Related to BITE

Synonyms: acerbity, acidity, acidness, acridity, acridness, acrimoniousness, acrimony, acuteness, asperity, edge, bitterness, harshness, keenness, poignance, poignancy, pungency, roughness, sharpness, tartness

Antonyms: mildness, softness

Related Words: ginger, punch, spice, tang; raucousness, severeness, severity, shrillness, virulence, vitriol; cattiness, maliciousness; pointedness, thorniness

Near Antonyms: gentleness, kindliness

see all synonyms and antonyms

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