spec

¹

[ spek ]

noun

1. Usually specs. specification ( def 2 ).
2. speculation.

adjective

1. built, done, bought, etc., as a speculation:

   the construction of spec houses.

verb (used with object)

, spec'd or specked or specced, spec'·ing or speck·ing or spec·cing.

1. to provide specifications for:

   The custom turbocharger was spec'd by our mechanic.

2. (in a video game) to create or update (a character) by assigning attributes, skills, weapons, armor, and other items that affect the character’s powers, speed, strength, intelligence, etc.:

   Do your research before you spec your character, because some builds are just not viable and this game does not allow you to re-spec.

spec.

²

abbreviation for

1. special.
2. specially.
3. specifically.
4. specification.

spec.

¹

abbreviation for

1. specification
2. speculation

spec

²

/ spɛk /

noun

1. on spec
   as a speculation or gamble

   all the tickets were sold so I went to the theatre on spec

adjective

1. prenominal speculative

   a spec developer

Other Words From

• spec’·er speck·er noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of spec¹

An Americanism dating back to 1785–95; by shortening

Word History and Origins

Origin of spec¹

C19: short for speculation or speculative

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. on spec, made, built, or done with hopes of but no assurance of payment or a sale; without commitment by a client or buyer:

   ad illustrations done on spec;

   luxury homes built on spec and sold before completion.

More idioms and phrases containing spec

see on spec .

Example Sentences

The tech spec of every new handset camera is usually an improvement on the previous generation.

From BBC

Even before Hollywood development executives had the spec in their hands, the buzz was intense, despite no one really knowing what the story was about.

From Los Angeles Times

So let’s not spec that type of product in our project.

From Los Angeles Times

The others range from custom work ordered by customers to spec vehicles that Ghattas decides to make, like the Samurai he customized with his dad, because he can.

From Seattle Times

They’re looking at a piece of land for her to build a spec house.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• asset
• contribution
• expenditure
• expense
• finance
• financing
• grant
• loan
• money
• property
• purchase
• stake
• transaction
• venture