bootstrap

noun

/ˈbuːtstræp/

Idioms

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(often used in compounds) an approach to creating something that uses the minimum amount of resources possible
- In classic bootstrap fashion, Fred invested his personal savings and convinced friends to work for him for free.
(on a computer) the process of loading a program, usually an operating system, by first loading a smaller program
- This ensures that the operating system bootstrap process does not introduce malware.
a piece of cloth or leather at the back of a boot that is used to help you pull it on

Idioms

pull/drag yourself up by your (own) bootstraps

verb

/ˈbuːtstræp/

[transitive, intransitive]

Verb Forms

present simple I / you / we / they bootstrap	/ˈbuːtstræp/ /ˈbuːtstræp/
he / she / it bootstraps	/ˈbuːtstræps/ /ˈbuːtstræps/
past simple bootstrapped	/ˈbuːtstræpt/ /ˈbuːtstræpt/
past participle bootstrapped	/ˈbuːtstræpt/ /ˈbuːtstræpt/
-ing form bootstrapping	/ˈbuːtstræpɪŋ/ /ˈbuːtstræpɪŋ/

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bootstrap (something) to create something using the minimum amount of resources possible
- We have bootstrapped the business using our own funds so far.
- Entrepreneurs who bootstrap are self-sustaining, using little to no money to start their businesses.
bootstrap (something) (on a computer) to load a program, usually an operating system, by first loading a smaller program
- To bootstrap the system, the preliminary database will first be assembled.
- This article described how a computer bootstraps.