Word of the Day : May 15, 2019

glitch \GLITCH\ noun

Definition

1 a : a usually minor malfunction; also : an unexpected defect, fault, flaw, or imperfection 

b : a minor problem that causes a temporary setback : snag

2 : a false or spurious electronic signal

Did You Know?

There's a glitch in the etymology of glitch—the origins of the word are not known for sure, though it may derive from the Yiddish glitsh, meaning "slippery place." Glitch started showing up in print in English in the mid-20th century in reference to a brief unexpected surge of electrical current. The term was new enough in 1962 that the astronaut John Glenn, writing in the book Into Orbit, felt the need to explain the term to his readers: "Literally, a glitch is a spike or change in voltage in an electrical circuit which takes place when the circuit suddenly has a new load put on it." Today, you don't have to be an astronaut to be familiar with the word glitch, which can be used of any minor malfunction or snag.

Aired May 15, 2019

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