Bus
Pronunciation
- UK IPA: /bÊŒs/, bÉs, enPR: bÅs
- US IPA: /bÊŒs/, enPR: bÅs
- Rhymes: -ÊŒs
Origin
Shortening of omnibus, from Latin omnibus ("for everything/all"); dative plural of omnis ("all"). The electrical sense is derived from figurative application of the automotive sense.
Full definition of bus
Noun
Synonyms
- (vehicle) coach, loser cruiser, motorbus, omnibus
- (electrical conductor) electrical bus, busbar, digit trunk
Derived terms
Verb
- (transitive, automotive, transport) To transport via a motor bus.
- (transitive, automotive, transport, chiefly US) To transport students to school, often to a more distant school for the purposes of achieving racial integration.
- (intransitive, automotive, transport) To travel by bus.
- (transitive, US, food service) To clear meal remains from.He bussed tables as the restaurant emptied out.
- (intransitive, US, food service) To work at clearing the remains of meals from tables or counters; to work as a busboy.He’s been bussing for minimum wage.
Usage notes
The Canadian Oxford Dictionary only presents the spellings buses, busing, and bused, implying that these are the predominant forms in Canada.
Derived terms
- (clear meal remains) busboy