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dot

n. · v.
US //ˈdɑt// UK //dˈɒt// dot
  1. 1 a small spot (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    a very small, round mark or spot.

    a small, circular mark or point on a surface, often used in patterns or as a visual reference.

    Example

    The ladybug had several black dots on its red wings.

    Example

    From the airplane window, the cars on the highway looked like tiny, colourful dots moving slowly across the landscape.
  2. 2 computing and punctuation (n.)
    A2 Elementary Computing

    the mark used to separate parts of a web address or the end of a sentence.

    a punctuation mark or separator used in orthography, mathematics, and digital addresses.

    Example

    You need to include a dot before 'com' in the web address.

    Example

    The developer explained that the configuration file must begin with a dot to remain hidden in the standard directory view.
    Pitfall
    My email is name point provider dot com.
    My email is name at provider dot com.

    In web and email addresses, use 'dot' for the period symbol, but use 'at' for the @ symbol.

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  1. 3 Morse code (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the short sound or signal used in Morse code.

    one of the two fundamental signals in Morse code, representing a shorter duration than a dash.

    Example

    The letter S is represented by three dots in Morse code.

    Example

    The radio operator struggled to distinguish the rapid dots from the background static during the emergency broadcast.
    • dit
  2. 4 to mark with spots (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to put small marks or spots on something.

    to mark or cover a surface with small, detached spots or points.

    Example

    She used a pen to dot the map with all the places she wanted to visit.

    Example

    The artist used a fine brush to dot the canvas with white paint, creating the illusion of a distant starry sky.
    • speckle
    • stipple
    • fleck
  3. 5 to be scattered across (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to be spread across an area in small groups.

    to be distributed or scattered across an area or surface.

    Example

    Small wooden houses dot the hillside above the lake.

    Example

    Ancient ruins dot the Mediterranean coastline, serving as silent reminders of civilizations that flourished centuries ago.
Idioms2 entries

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