[shot] n [ME, fr. OE scot; akin to ON skot shot, OHG scuz, OE sceotan to shoot--more at shoot] (bef. 12c) 1 a: an action of shooting b: a directed propelling of a missile; specif: a directed discharge of a firearm c: a stroke or throw in an attempt to score points in a game (as tennis, pool, or basketball); also: home run d: blast e: a medical or narcotics injection
2. a pl shot : something propelled by shooting; esp: small lead or steel pellets esp. forming a charge for a shotgun b: a metal sphere of iron or brass that is heaved in the shot put 3 a: the distance that a missile is or can be thrown b: range, reach
4: a charge to be paid: scot
5: one that shoots; esp: marksman
6. a: attempt, try b: guess, conjecture c: chance d: a single appearance as an entertainer "did a guest ~ for the program" 7: an effective remark
8. a: a single photographic exposure; esp: snapshot b: a single sequence of a motion picture or a television program shot by one camera without interruption 9: a charge of explosives
10. a: a small measure or serving (as one ounce) of undiluted liquor b: a small amount applied at one time: dose 11 shot pl: sprinkles, jimmies -- a shot : for each one: apiece -- like a shot : very rapidly -- shot in the arm : stimulus, boost -- shot in the dark 1: a wild guess
2: an attempt that has little chance of success
[2]shot past and past part of shoot [3]shot adj (1763) 1 a of a fabric: having contrasting and changeable color effects: iridescent b: suffused or streaked with a color "hair ~ with gray" c: infused or permeated with a quality or element "~ through with wit"
2: having the form of pellets resembling shot
3: reduced to a state of ruin, prostration, or uselessness "his nerves are ~"