A back door is a feature programmers often build into programs to allow special privileges normally denied to users of the program. Often programmers build back doors so they can fix bugs. If hackers or others learn about a back door, the feature may pose a security risk. This is also called a trap door. Found on http://home.mcafee.com/virusinfo/glossary?ctst=1#
An entry point to a program or a system that is hidden or disguised, often created by the software's author for maintenance. A certain sequence of control characters permits access to the system manager account. If the back door becomes known, unauthorized users (or malicious software) can gain entry and cause damage. Found on http://www.encyclo.co.uk/visitor-contributions.php
In computing, a back door is a hole in the security of a system deliberately left in place by designers or maintainers. The motivation for this is not always sinister; some operating systems, for example, come out of the box with privileged accounts intended for use by field service technicians or the vendor's maintenance programmers. Historically,... Found on http://www.probertencyclopaedia.com/browse/GB.HTM