[spot] n [ME; akin to MD spotte stain, speck, ON spotti small piece] (13c) 1: a taint on character or reputation: fault "the only ~ 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 "~s of rot" "rust ~s 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. pl usu 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 usu. 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 esp. 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
[2]spot vb spot.ted ; spot.ting vt (14c) 1: to stain the character or reputation of: disgrace
2: to mark in or with a spot: stain
3: to locate or identify by a spot
4. a: to single out: identify; esp: to note as a known criminal or a suspicious person b: detect, notice "~ a mistake" c (1): to locate accurately "~ an enemy position" (2): to cause to strike accurately "~ the battery's fire"
5. a: to lie at intervals in or over: stud b: to place at intervals or in a desired spot "~ field telephones" c: to fix in or as if in the beam of a spotlight d: to schedule in a particular spot or at a particular time
6: to remove a spot from 7: to allow as a handicap ~ vi 1: to become stained or discolored in spots
2: to cause a spot
3: to act as a spotter; esp: to locate targets
4: to experience abnormal and sporadic bleeding in small amounts from the uterus -- spot.ta.ble adj [3]spot adj (1881) 1 a: being, originating, or done on the spot or in or for a particular spot "~ coverage of the news" b: available for immediate delivery after sale "~ commodities" c (1): paid out upon delivery "~ cash" (2): involving immediate cash payment "~ transaction" d (1): broadcast between scheduled programs "~ announcements" (2): originating in a local station for a national advertiser e: performing occasionally when needed "chance of making the ... varsity as a ~ starter and relief pitcher --N. Y. Times"
2: made at random or restricted to a few places or instances "a ~ check"; also: selected at random or as a sample