specks
|specks|
/spɛks/
(speck)
tiny spot
Etymology
'speck' originates from Middle Low German, specifically the word 'specke' (or a similar West Germanic form), where the root meant 'small piece' or 'fragment'.
'speck' changed from Middle Low German/Medieval Germanic forms such as 'specke' and entered Middle English in similar forms before becoming the modern English word 'speck'.
Initially, it referred to a 'small piece' or 'fragment'; over time the sense narrowed and extended to mean a 'tiny spot', 'dot', or 'particle' in modern English.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
small spots or marks, usually of a different color or texture than the surrounding surface.
There were specks of paint on the floor after the job.
Synonyms
Noun 2
tiny particles or fragments (often of dust, dirt, or food).
She brushed the specks of dust off the windowsill.
Synonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/12/17 05:30