ˈspäd.ə(r), -ätə- noun
( -s )
1. : one that makes a spot ; especially : one that makes or applies a distinctive spot (as for identification or guidance or to mark a defect): as
a. : a device for producing by abrasion frosted or mottled spots on a flat finished metal surface (as for decorative effect or on the ways of machine tools for better holding of lubricants)
b. : dotter 2
c. : one that by means of a microscope locates the correct place for drilling a diamond to be used as a die and drills a tiny starting hole
d. : a device on a railroad car for marking irregularities in the track
e. : a logger who notches trees
f. : a small disk of black metal having a spindle through the center by which it is attached to the target in target practice to indicate the exact position of a hit — called also spotting disk
2. : one that looks out for, keeps watch on, or singles out something
a moralizer and a spotter of universal calamities — R.H.Rovere
traveled all over the state … as a spotter on the trail of oil — Myron Brinig
as
a.
(1) : detective , spy ; especially : a person privately employed (as by a railroad, a business establishment) to detect dishonesty and irregularities of a particular kind
worked as a spotter for a bus company
spotters follow every move of player and dealer — Oscar Lewis
(2) : one that checks attendance of workers by locating them on their jobs at various times of the day according to a daily record sheet
(3) : investigator c
b.
(1) : one that locates the position of an enemy target and that reports deviations of gunfire from the target ; specifically : a naval officer whose duty in battle is to observe the fall of shot and to estimate the corrections necessary to bring the shots on the target
(2) : an airplane employed in spotting enemy positions or targets ; also : an airman engaged in such spotting
(3) : a civilian watcher whose duty is to report all approaching airplanes (as by type, direction, speed)
c.
(1) : a member of a gang of thieves who locates buildings to be robbed
(2) : one of a gang of hijackers who follows a stolen truck and signals the approach of police
d.
(1) : an auctioneer's assistant who watches the buyers for bids
(2) : one that sits with a sportscaster at an athletic event (as a football game) to help identify players
3. : one that removes spots: as
a. : one that covers imperfections in a photograph by touching them up with a brush or pencil
b.
(1) : a dry cleaner who removes stains from fabrics by local treatment
(2) : a solvent used in removing such stains
4. : one that places something on or in an appointed or desired spot
automatic bowling-pin spotters — Newsweek
as
a. : one that determines and designates where a load (as from a truck or crane) is to be deposited or a vehicle (as a railroad car, truck, trailer) is to be placed (as for loading, unloading, parking)
b. : car pincher
c. : crane follower
d. : a device for moving a freight car into position for loading or unloading
5. : one that places himself in position to give support or assistance to a tumbler or gymnast if needed to prevent injury