Entry Word: spot

Function: noun

Meaning: 1 a small area that is different (as in color) from the main part <in summer the white coat of the snow leopard is studded with brownish black spots>

Synonyms blotch, dapple, dot, eyespot, fleck, mottle, patch, point, speck, speckle, splotch

Related Words birthmark, freckle, mole; blot, mark, smear, smudge, stain; spatter, splash

2 a difficult, puzzling, or embarrassing situation from which there is no easy escape <we're in a bit of a spot right now> — see predicament
3 a mark of guilt or disgrace <scandalous conduct that will forever be a spot upon the family name> — see stain 1
4 a very small amount <had only a spot of stew for dinner, as he wasn't very hungry> — see particle 1
5 the area or space occupied by or intended for something <the cat took my spot on the couch as soon as I stood up> — see place 1