spec
[ spek ]
/ spɛk /
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 for 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, nounDefinition for spec (2 of 2)
spec.
special.
specially.
specifically.
specification.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020
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
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.