Specks: meaning, definitions and examples

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specks

 

[ speks ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

small particles

Specks refer to tiny specks or particles of something, usually dirt, dust, or other small substances.

Synonyms

dots, flecks, particles, spots.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
specks

Tiny, often barely visible pieces of dirt, dust, or other substances. Typically used when discussing cleanliness or small imperfections.

  • There were specks of dust on the old bookshelf.
  • I noticed a few specks of paint on the floor.
particles

Tiny pieces of a substance, often beyond the visibility of the naked eye. Usually used in scientific or technical contexts.

  • The air was filled with dust particles.
  • Certain types of particles can only be seen with a microscope.
spots

Distinct areas that are different in color or texture from their surroundings. Used in various contexts, including marks, blemishes, or places.

  • He noticed some red spots on his skin.
  • The leopard's spots were clearly visible.
dots

Small, round marks or points. Commonly used in the context of patterns, graphics, or specific artistic elements.

  • The artist covered the canvas with colorful dots.
  • She wore a dress with polka dots.
flecks

Small, thin pieces of something that are fragmented. Often used to describe tiny bits of something embedded or sprinkled within another substance.

  • There were flecks of gold in the rock.
  • The snow had flecks of dirt in it.

Examples of usage

  • She wiped the specks of dust off the table.
  • There were specks of dirt on his shoes.
  • The clean windows revealed specks of grime in the corners.
  • The scientist observed specks of bacteria under the microscope.
  • The cake was decorated with colorful specks of sugar.
Context #2 | Noun

small marks

Specks can also refer to small marks or spots on a surface.

Synonyms

blemishes, marks, spots, stains.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
specks

Tiny and insignificant spots or particles. Often used when referring to dust or very small pieces of something.

  • There were a few specks of dust on the shelf.
  • He had specks of paint on his clothes.
marks

Signs or symbols left on a surface, which can be intentional or accidental.

  • He left a mark on the paper with his pen.
  • There were marks on the wall from where the pictures had been.
spots

Round patches or stains, often used to describe small areas that differ in color or texture from their surroundings.

  • She had a few spots of ink on her shirt.
  • The dog has black spots on its back.
stains

Discolorations that are often difficult to remove, usually on fabric, surfaces, or materials. Generally carries a negative connotation.

  • There was a coffee stain on the carpet.
  • The white shirt had a red wine stain.
blemishes

Imperfections or flaws, often used in the context of skin or surfaces. Can carry a negative connotation.

  • The table had a few blemishes after years of use.
  • She was worried about the blemishes on her face.

Examples of usage

  • Her white dress had specks of mud on it.
  • The painting had specks of paint splattered across it.
  • The chef noticed specks of sauce on the clean plates.
  • The old photograph had specks of mold on the edges.
  • The wooden table had specks of water rings from glasses.

Translations

Translations of the word "specks" in other languages:

🇵🇹 manchas

🇮🇳 दाग

🇩🇪 Flecken

🇮🇩 noda

🇺🇦 плями

🇵🇱 plamy

🇯🇵 しみ

🇫🇷 taches

🇪🇸 manchas

🇹🇷 lekeler

🇰🇷 얼룩

🇸🇦 بقع

🇨🇿 skvrny

🇸🇰 škvrny

🇨🇳 斑点

🇸🇮 madeži

🇮🇸 blettir

🇰🇿 дақтар

🇬🇪 ლაქები

🇦🇿 ləklər

🇲🇽 manchas

Etymology

The word 'specks' originates from Middle English 'specke', which is related to Old High German 'spehhan' meaning 'to spy'. Over time, the term evolved to refer to small particles or marks. 'Specks' is commonly used in English to describe tiny particles or marks that are visible but often insignificant in size.

See also: speck, speckle, speckled, speckles, speckling.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,008, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.