transitive verb bit (bit), bitten bit′·ten (bit′'n) or bit, biting bit′·ing

1. to seize, pierce, or cut with the teeth or with parts like jaws
2. to cut into, as with a sharp weapon
3. to sting, as an insect
4. to hurt in a sharp, stinging way
5. to eat into; corrode
6. to infect or possess: used esp. in the passive bitten by a lust for power
7. to cheat or trick: used esp. in the passive

Etymology: ME biten < OE bītan < IE base *bheid-, to split, crack > beetle, bitter, L findere, to split (see fission)

intransitive verb

1. 1. to press or snap the teeth (into, at, etc.)
   2. to have a tendency to do this
2. to cause a biting sensation or have a biting effect
3. to get or keep a tight hold; grip the car wheels bit into the snow
4. to seize a bait
5. to be caught, as by a trick
6. Slang suck ()

noun

1. the act of biting
2. biting quality; sting a bite to his words
3. a wound, bruise, or sting from biting
4. 1. amount of food bitten off; mouthful or morsel
   2. food
   3. a meal, esp. a light meal or snack
5. a tight hold or grip
6. an edge or surface that grips
7. ☆ Informal an amount cut off or sum deducted the tax takes quite a bite from my paycheck
8. ☆ Slang money or price asked; cost; expense: with the: usually used in the phrase put the bite on, to press for a loan, gift, or bribe of money
9. Dentistry the way the upper and lower teeth meet
10. Etching the corrosion of the metal plate by the acid