dustbug

English

Etymology

dust +‎ bug

Noun

dustbug (plural dustbugs)

1. A dust control device for use with a record player that sweeps dust from in front of the needle onto an absorbent pad.
   • 1961, Stereo, page 73:

     The dustbug or groove-tracking type (there are different models for turntables and changers) sweeps the groove ahead of the stylus and the dust flicked out by a tiny brush is absorbed by a chemically treated pad.

   • 1968, Records and Recording - Volume 12:

     They are played with a clean 'dustbug' always, on spotless, high quality equipment, are returned immediately to both sleeves and are given an extra polythene cover.

   • 1976, Parks - Volumes 1-5, page 19:

     Use a record brush (such as a Decca carbon fiber brush or the Discwasher record cleaning system) before and after play, and a “dustbug" (for example, Decca, also) during.