Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

harmonica bug

Word Rarity Rare

Frequency: Zipf frequency 2.94 in modern English

Syllables: har-mon-i-ca bug
IPA

22

Scrabble Score

12

Letters

4

Syllables

11

Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

An electronic eavesdropping device (bug) that attaches to a landline telephone and is activated or deactivated by a specific tone. When activated, it prevents the telephone from ringing but activates its microphone to transmit to another telephone at a remote location.

Example Sentences

"The most interesting device for tapping a telephone, though, is still the old reliable “harmonica bug,” which was invented in the early sixties by an electronics wizard from Lower Manhattan, Emanuel Mittleman."
"Whoever invented the harmonica bug realized that it's nearly impossible to find a bug that isn't operating, so he devised one that can be turned on and off by remote control."
"It is, of course, tough to find a bug that isn't operating, which is at the heart of the harmonica bug principle."
"The misplaced telephone receiver suggests they may have left a harmonica bug."

Etymology

From harmonica for the tone that activates or deactivates the device, and bug (an electronic eavesdropping device).

Inflected Forms

harmonica bugs (plural)

Synonyms

infinity transmitter

Questions

What does harmonica bug mean?: An electronic eavesdropping device (bug) that attaches to a landline telephone and is activated or deactivated by a specific tone. When activated, it prevents the telephone from ringing but activates its microphone to transmit to another telephone at a remote location.
Where does harmonica bug come from?: From harmonica for the tone that activates or deactivates the device, and bug (an electronic eavesdropping device).

How to pronounce harmonica bug

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “harmonica bug”.
Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling () so you know which sounds to aim for.
Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “harmonica bug”.
Repeat and practice — Say “harmonica bug” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.