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spec
[ spek ]
/ spɛk /
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This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
noun
Usually specs . specification (def. 2).
adjective
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.
to provide specifications for: The custom turbocharger was spec'd by our mechanic.
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Idioms about spec
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.
Origin of spec
An Americanism dating back to 1785–95; by shortening
OTHER WORDS FROM spec
spec’·er, speck·er, nounWords nearby spec
Other definitions for spec (2 of 2)
spec.
abbreviation
special.
specially.
specifically.
specification.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use spec in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for spec (1 of 2)
spec
/ (spɛk) informal /
noun
on spec as a speculation or gambleall the tickets were sold so I went to the theatre on spec
adjective
(prenominal) Australian and NZ speculativea spec developer
Word Origin for spec
C19: short for speculation or speculative
British Dictionary definitions for spec (2 of 2)
spec.
abbreviation for
specification
speculation
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Other Idioms and Phrases with spec
spec
see on spec.
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.