Main Entry: ¹spot

Pronunciation: \ˈspät\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English; akin to Middle Dutch spotte stain, speck, Old Norse spotti small piece

Date: 13th century

1 : a taint on character or reputation : fault <the only spot on the family name>
2 a : a small area visibly different (as in color, finish, or material) from the surrounding area b (1) : an area marred or marked (as by dirt) (2) : a circumscribed surface lesion of disease (as measles) or decay <spots of rot> <rust spots on a leaf> c : a conventionalized design used on playing cards to distinguish the suits and indicate values
3 : an object having a specified number of spots or a specified numeral on its surface
4 : a small quantity or amount : bit
5 a : a particular place, area, or part b : a small extent of space
6 plural usually spot : a small croaker (Leiostomus xanthurus) of the Atlantic coast with a black spot behind the opercula
7 a : a particular position (as in an organization or a hierarchy) b : a place or appearance on an entertainment program
8 : spotlight
9 : a position usually of difficulty or embarrassment
10 : a brief announcement or advertisement broadcast between scheduled radio or television programs
11 : a brief segment or report on a broadcast especially of news

— on the spot 1 : at once : immediately
2 : at the place of action
3 a : in a responsible or accountable position b : in a difficult or trying situation