speck

[ spek ]

noun

1. a small spot differing in color or substance from that of the surface or material upon which it appears or lies:

   Specks of soot on the window sill.

2. a very little bit or particle:

   We haven't a speck of sugar.

3. something appearing small by comparison or by reason of distance:

   By then the town was just a speck.

verb (used with object)

1. to mark with, or as with, a speck or specks.

speck

/ spɛk /

noun

1. a very small mark or spot
2. a small or tiny piece of something

verb

1. tr to mark with specks or spots

Other Words From

• speck·ed·ness [spek, -id-nis], noun
• speckless adjective
• speckless·ly adverb
• speckless·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of speck¹

before 900; Middle English specke, Old English specca; cognate with Dutch spikkel

Word History and Origins

Origin of speck¹

Old English specca; related to Middle Dutch spekelen to sprinkle

Example Sentences

So how can astronomers discover the true nature of these little specks of light that are shining at the beginning of time?

From Salon

From the overlook, I watched the early morning light over the canyon, feeling like a little speck of stardust in our vast universe.

From Los Angeles Times

There was not a speck of “they-go-low-we-go-high” restraint when Obama took the stage Tuesday night in her hometown.

From Los Angeles Times

We cannot afford a speck of complacency that momentary enthusiasm can engender.

From Salon

“Here you can see a lot of these pores are now filled with whitish specks,” says Dr Voight, handling a sample of drilled out rock.

From BBC

Related Words

• blot
• dot
• fleck
• iota
• mite
• particle
• shred
• splotch
• stain