Definition of: spot

(spot) noun
1. A particular place of small extent; a definite locality.
2. Any small portion of a surface differing as in color from the rest; blot.
3. A stain or blemish on character; a fault; a reproach.
4. A congenital birthmark.
5. A food fish (Leiostomus xanthurus) of the Atlantic coast of the United States, marked with a spot above each pectoral fin; the oldwife.
6. One of the figures or pips with which a playing card is marked; also, a card having (a certain number of) such marks: the five spot of clubs.
7. Slang A currency note having a specified value: a ten spot.
8. Chiefly Brit. A portion or bit: a spot of tea.
9. Slang Position or situation: He was in a good spot.
10. U.S. Slang A spotlight. See synonyms under BLEMISH, PLACE
—in a spot Slang In a difficult or embarrassing situation; in trouble.
—in spots Now and then, in some respects: He is bright in spots.
—to go to the spot To satisfy a definite need or craving.
—to hit the spot Slang To gratify an appetite or need.
—on the spot
1. At once; immediately.
2. At the very place.
3. Slang a In danger of death. b Accountable or in danger of being held accountable for some action.
—v. spot·ted, spot·ting v.t.
1. To mark or soil with spots.
2. To decorate with spots; dot.
3. To place on a designated spot; locate; station.
4. Colloq. To recognize or detect; see.
5. Colloq. To yield (an advantage or handicap) to someone: We spotted them five points.
—v.i.
6. To become marked or soiled with spots.
7. To make a stain or discoloration.
8. Mil. To observe the effect of gunfire to obtain data for improving its accuracy. See synonyms under STAIN.
—adjective
1. Being on the place or spot.
2. Paid or prepared for payment on delivery; also, ready for instant delivery following sale.
3. Telecom. Designed for presentation between regular programs and usually very brief: a spot TV commercial. [<ME <LG. Cf. MDu. spotte a spot.]
—spot′ta·ble adjective