n.
- a small round or roundish mark, differing in colour or texture from the surface around it.
▸chiefly N. Amer. a pip on a domino, playing card, or dice.
▸short for penalty spot.
- a pimple.
- a particular place, point, or position.
▸a small feature or part with a particular quality:
his bald spot.
▸a place for an individual item within a show.
- informal, chiefly Brit. a small amount of something:
a spot of lunch.
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[as modifier]
denoting a system of trading in which commodities or currencies are delivered and paid for immediately after a sale.
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(also spot board)
a board for working plaster before application.
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[in combination]
informal, chiefly N. Amer. a banknote of a specified value.
v.
(spots, spotting, spotted)
- see, notice, or recognize (someone or something difficult to detect or sought-after).
▸Military locate an enemy's position, typically from the air.
▸(in weight training, gymnastics, etc.) observe (a performer) in order to minimize the risk of accidents or injuries.
- mark or become marked with spots.
-
(it spots, it is spotting, etc.)
rain slightly.
- place (a ball) on its designated starting point on a billiard table.
- N. Amer. informal give or lend (money) to.
▸allow (an advantage) to (someone) in a game or sport.
Phrase
- hit the spot
informal be exactly what is required. - in a spot
informal in a difficult situation. - on the spot
- immediately.
- at the scene of an action or event.
- Brit. (of an action) performed without moving from one's original position.
- put someone on the spot
informal force someone into a situation in which they must respond or act. - spot on
Brit. informal completely accurate or accurately.
Derivative
- spotted adj.
- spottedness n.
Etymology
ME: perh. from MDu. spotte.