spec

[ spek ]
See synonyms for spec on Thesaurus.com
noun
adjective
  1. 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.
  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 about spec

  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.

Origin of spec

1
An Americanism dating back to 1785–95; by shortening

Other words from spec

  • spec’·er, speck·er, noun

Other definitions for spec. (2 of 2)

spec.

abbreviation
  1. special.

  2. specially.

  1. specifically.

  2. specification.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use spec in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for spec (1 of 2)

spec

/ (spɛk) informal /


noun
  1. on spec as a speculation or gamble: all the tickets were sold so I went to the theatre on spec

adjective
  1. (prenominal) Australian and NZ speculative: a spec developer

Origin of spec

1
C19: short for speculation or speculative

British Dictionary definitions for spec. (2 of 2)

spec.

abbreviation for
  1. specification

  2. 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.