Blotter: meaning, definitions and examples
๐
blotter
[ หblษtษr ]
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
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.
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:
๐ต๐น caderno de anotaรงรตes
๐ฎ๐ณ เคฌเฅเคฒเฅเคเฅเคเคฐ
๐ฉ๐ช Notizbuch
๐ฎ๐ฉ buku catatan
๐บ๐ฆ ะฑะปะพะบะฝะพั
๐ต๐ฑ bloknot
๐ฏ๐ต ใใญใใฟใผ
๐ซ๐ท carnet
๐ช๐ธ cuaderno
๐น๐ท not defteri
๐ฐ๐ท ๋ ธํธ
๐ธ๐ฆ ุฏูุชุฑ ู ูุงุญุธุงุช
๐จ๐ฟ blok
๐ธ๐ฐ blok
๐จ๐ณ ่ฎฐๅฝๆฌ
๐ธ๐ฎ zvezek
๐ฎ๐ธ skissubรณk
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะถััะฝะฐะป
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแขแแ แ
๐ฆ๐ฟ not kitabฤฑ
๐ฒ๐ฝ 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.