microdot

[mahy-kruh-dot]

noun

1. a photograph reduced to the size of a printed period, used especially to transmit messages, photographs, drawings, etc.

verb (used with object)

microdotted, microdotting 

1. to make a microdot of.

microdot

/ ˈmaɪkrəʊˌdɒt /

noun

1. a microcopy about the size of a pinhead, used esp in espionage

2. a tiny tablet containing LSD

Word History and Origins

Origin of microdot¹

First recorded in 1945–50; micro- + dot ¹

Example Sentences

Police are also using forensics to track stolen sheep, while Cumbrian sheep and beef farmer Pip Simpson has trialled coded microdots on the sheep's fleece to brand his sheep.

Read more on BBC

Tradespeople may also install covert cameras in vans, apply forensic marking products such as microdots to their tools, and label them as protected, for example.

Read more on BBC

Rare cycads are now sprayed with microdot paint that leaves invisible, individualised markers of a plant’s provenance.

Read more on Economist

Hurriedly, Putin would give Agent Trump his next set of instructions, then hand him the state-of-the-art microdot camera he would need to photograph the most sensitive documents passing his desk in the Oval Office.

Read more on The Guardian

Those looking to understand the roots of San Francisco psychedelic rock need only read one observation from Paul Kantner, who died Thursday at age 74, to connect the microdots. 

Read more on Los Angeles Times