Blotter: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ“
Add to dictionary

blotter

 

[ หˆblษ’tษ™r ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

law enforcement

A blotter is a record or logbook maintained by law enforcement agencies to document incidents and activities that occur within a specific jurisdiction. It typically includes details such as the time, date, location, and nature of each incident, along with any pertinent information about involved individuals. Blotters are essential tools for tracking crime trends and aiding investigations, as they provide a chronological account of events. These logs often serve as official public records and can be accessed by the public.

Synonyms

logbook, record, register

Examples of usage

  • The police blotter shows several reports of theft in the area.
  • You can check the blotter for any recent arrests.
  • The blotter helps officers stay informed about ongoing investigations.
Context #2 | Noun

stationery

A blotter can also refer to a piece of absorbent paper used to soak up excess ink from a page after writing. This type of blotter is commonly placed under a sheet of paper to absorb any wet ink and prevent smudging. Blotters are often used by calligraphers and artists to maintain clean and precise works. In this context, a blotter not only serves a practical purpose but can also be a decorative item in a writing desk.

Synonyms

absorbent paper, ink blotter, writing aid

Examples of usage

  • He used a blotter to prevent ink from smudging his letters.
  • Artists often keep a variety of blotters for different types of ink.
  • The vintage blotter on his desk adds a touch of elegance.

Translations

Translations of the word "blotter" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น caderno de anotaรงรตes

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฌเฅเคฒเฅ‰เคŸเฅเคŸเคฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Notizbuch

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ buku catatan

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฑะปะพะบะฝะพั‚

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ bloknot

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒ–ใƒญใƒƒใ‚ฟใƒผ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท carnet

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ cuaderno

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท not defteri

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋…ธํŠธ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฏูุชุฑ ู…ู„ุงุญุธุงุช

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ blok

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ blok

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ่ฎฐๅฝ•ๆœฌ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ zvezek

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ skissubรณk

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะถัƒั€ะฝะฐะป

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ‘แƒšแƒแƒขแƒ”แƒ แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ not kitabฤฑ

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ cuaderno

Etymology

The word 'blotter' originates from the verb 'to blot', which comes from the Old English word 'blotta', meaning 'to dry or absorb liquid'. The term evolved in the context of writing and stationery, referring to absorbent materials used to soak up ink spills. The law enforcement usage of 'blotter' came later, as agencies required a systematic way to document incidents and interactions. The first recorded uses of the modern sense of 'blotter' in police terminology appeared in the early 20th century. Over time, the term has become ingrained in both legal and writing contexts, showcasing its dual utility and importance in documentation.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,616, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.