spec

¹

[spek]

noun

1. Usually specs specification.

2. speculation.

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.

spec.

²

abbreviation

1. special.

2. specially.

3. specifically.

4. specification.

spec.

¹

abbreviation

1. specification

2. speculation

spec

²

/ spɛk /

noun

1. as a speculation or gamble

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

adjective

1. (prenominal) speculative

   a spec developer

Other Word Forms

• spec’er noun
• specker noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of spec¹

An Americanism dating back to 1785–95; by shortening

Word History and Origins

Origin of spec¹

C19: short for _speculation or _speculative

Idioms and Phrases

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.

see on spec.

Example Sentences

Cregger’s spec script prompted an intense bidding war two years ago, with Cregger winning a hefty payday and final cut, provided the test screenings weren’t a disaster.

From Los Angeles Times

Drivers can also participate in Pirelli tyre development tests in the latest cars, or whatever spec of car is required, if called upon.

From BBC

Auctioneers, H&H Classic Auctions, previously said the bike was believed to be in "Legacy" spec with the chrome mudguards, and had seen little use since the completion of filming.

From BBC

So he infiltrated the militia movement on spec, as a freelance vigilante.

From Salon

The tech spec of every new handset camera is usually an improvement on the previous generation.

From BBC

Related Words

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