spec
spec Lexical Profile
spec Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A detailed description of the design, materials, dimensions, and technical requirements for a product, building, or system (often used in the plural).
"The engineering team reviewed the technical specs for the new laptop before manufacturing began."
Speculation or a business risk undertaken in the hope of future gain, especially in the phrase 'on spec' (without a firm order or guarantee of payment).
"The freelance photographer shot the event on spec and later sold the images to a local newspaper."
• adjective
Created, built, or written as a speculative venture without a prior contract, guarantee of sale, or specific buyer.
"The screenwriter spent six months writing a spec script in hopes of selling it to a major studio."
• verb
To determine, list, or configure the technical specifications and requirements for a project, vehicle, or piece of equipment.
"We need to spec out the server hardware before submitting the final budget proposal."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse 'spec' (an informal shortening of 'specification' or 'speculation') with its homophone 'speck' (a tiny spot or particle).
• Rhymes for spec
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed in the 19th century by clipping the longer nouns 'specification' and 'speculation', both ultimately derived from the Latin verb specere ('to look at' or 'to observe').