spec

¹ American  

[spek] / spɛk /

noun

1. Usually specs specification.

2. speculation.

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adjective

1. built, done, bought, etc., as a speculation.

   the construction of spec houses.

verb (used with object)

spec'd, specked, specced, spec'ing, specking, speccing

1. to provide specifications for.

   The custom turbocharger was spec'd by our mechanic.

2. (in a video game) to create or update (a character) by assigning attributes, skills, weapons, armor, and other items that affect the character’s powers, speed, strength, intelligence, etc..

   Do your research before you spec your character, because some builds are just not viable and this game does not allow you to re-spec.

idioms

1. 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.

spec. ² American  

abbreviation

1. special.

2. specially.

3. specifically.

4. specification.

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spec. ¹ British  

abbreviation

1. specification

2. speculation

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spec ² British  

/ spɛk /

noun

1. as a speculation or gamble

   all the tickets were sold so I went to the theatre on spec

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adjective

1. (prenominal) speculative

   a spec developer

spec More Idioms  

1. see on spec.

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Other Word Forms

• specker noun
• spec’er noun

Etymology

Origin of spec

An Americanism dating back to 1785–95; by shortening

Example Sentences

She tried sketch writing, late-night TV writing, spec writing, but she quickly learned she didn’t actually want to write sketches or late-night monologues.

From Los Angeles Times

I’m also picking away at some spec scripts, because I’d love to write a movie that didn’t start as a book.

From Salon

But this stabilization was due to “relative strength at the move-up and discretionary price points, which offset declining home sizes at the entry-level and spec price points,” the analysts say.

From The Wall Street Journal

The military still lacks the multiyear funding to fully meet its production targets, prompting some officials to ask defense contractors to add more capacity on spec ahead of actual orders.

From The Wall Street Journal

DaCosta: I wrote it on spec, so I wasn’t thinking about anything besides letting my freak flag fly, basically.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• asset
• contribution
• expenditure
• expense
• finance
• financing
• grant
• loan
• money
• property
• purchase
• stake
• transaction
• venture