spec

[ spek ]

/ spɛk /

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See synonyms for spec on Thesaurus.com

noun

Usually specs . specification (def. 2).

speculation.

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, noun

Words nearby spec

spearpoint, Spears, spear side, spear-thrower, spearwort, spec, speccy, special, special act, special agent, Special Air Service

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. 2021

How to use spec in a sentence

Check out each product’s specs for more information on lifespan.
Best hand warmers: Block the chill during your favorite winter activities|PopSci Commerce Team|February 10, 2021|Popular-Science
Non-gamers often find themselves surprised at just how many tech specs a computer mouse can have.
Razer’s new gaming mouse pings your computer 8,000 times a second to fight lag|Stan Horaczek|January 29, 2021|Popular-Science
The goal of writing a compelling product description copy is to provide your potential customers with all the relevant details, specs, and info they might need to make a purchase.
Eight simple steps to write epic product descriptions that boost conversions|Ricky Hayes|January 29, 2021|Search Engine Watch
If your TV handles these specs, you need to make sure your switcher can, too.
Connect all your entertainment and gaming gear with HDMI switchers|PopSci Commerce Team|January 25, 2021|Popular-Science

Pay attention to any specs available and look for models that throw in extra attachments.
The best hair dryer: Get a salon-worthy blowout at home|Carsen Joenk|January 22, 2021|Popular-Science
Cody Towse, 29-year-old Sgt.1st Class Jeffrey Baker, 24-year-old Spec.
Heroes of a Forgotten War|Michael Daly|May 27, 2013|DAILY BEAST
A Facebook photo shows four of them, 28-year-old Staff Sgt Francis Phillips, 19-year-old Spec.
Heroes of a Forgotten War|Michael Daly|May 27, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Then comes the spec, circus slang for the spectacle that opens the show.
Giovanni Zoppé’s Real-Life Family Circus|Malcolm Jones|October 21, 2012|DAILY BEAST
The director, Peter Hermes, had an online sample reel of previous work that included a spec Doritos commercial.
Two California Women Turn Themselves Into Real-Life Versions of Thelma and Louise|Michael Daly|January 7, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Richard Rushfield is a contributing editor at Vanity Fair and the author of On Spec: A Novel of Young Hollywood.
Memories in the Facebook Age|Richard Rushfield|November 26, 2009|DAILY BEAST
"The whole thing looks like being a damned bad spec," the Syndicate grumbled.
Mushroom Town|Oliver Onions
En ez fur sellen' this place, war I wuz born'd en raze, I never spec' ter.
That Old-Time Child, Roberta|Sophie Fox Sea
Dis hyer letter what she done wrote dis mawnin tells all bout it I spec.
Three Little Women|Gabrielle E. Jackson
A tiny point near the center of the screen swelled to a spec, and jumped nearly off the screen to the left.
Greylorn|John Keith Laumer
If we were out in some parts of the West, Saul Harrington, any office would find it a bad spec to insure your life.
The Mynns' Mystery|George Manville Fenn

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.

spec

Idioms about spec

Origin of spec

OTHER WORDS FROM spec

Words nearby spec

Other definitions for spec (2 of 2)

Words related to spec

How to use spec in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for spec (1 of 2)

Word Origin for spec

British Dictionary definitions for spec (2 of 2)

Other Idioms and Phrases with spec