gremlin

noun grem·lin \ˈgrem-lən\

: a small imaginary creature that is blamed when something (such as a machine) does not work properly

Full Definition of GREMLIN

: a cause of error or equipment malfunction (as in aircraft) conceived of as a small mischievous gnome

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origin unknown

First Known Use: 1941

Synonyms: brownie, dwarf, elf, faerie (also faery), fay, gnome, goblin, fairy, hobgoblin, kobold, leprechaun, pixie (also pixy), puck, sprite, troll

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