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 values3: an object having a specified number of spots or a specified numeral on its surface4: a small quantity or amount : bit5 a: a particular place, area, or part b: a small extent of space6plural usually spot : a small croaker (Leiostomus xanthurus) of the Atlantic coast with a black spot behind the opercula7 a: a particular position (as in an organization or a hierarchy) b: a place or appearance on an entertainment program8: spotlight9: a position usually of difficulty or embarrassment10: a brief announcement or advertisement broadcast between scheduled radio or television programs11: a brief segment or report on a broadcast especially of news

— on the spot

1: at once : immediately2: at the place of action3 a: in a responsible or accountable position b: in a difficult or trying situation