slot

/slɔt/

Friendly

The word "slot" can be used in several different ways in English. Here’s a simple explanation for you:

Definition

1. Noun: A "slot" can refer to a narrow opening or space, often used for inserting something.
2. Noun: It can also mean a specific time or position assigned for something, like a schedule.
3. Noun: In gambling, a "slot" often refers to a slot machine, where you put in coins to play games for a chance to win money.
4. Noun: In technology, it can refer to a place in a computer where you can add extra parts, like memory.
5. Noun: In language, it can refer to a position in a grammar structure where different words can fit.

Usage Instructions

• You can use "slot" when talking about openings, time assignments, or specific positions. It can be a physical space or a conceptual one.

Examples

1. Narrow Opening: "He put a quarter in the slot of the vending machine."
2. Time Assignment: "The meeting is scheduled for the 3 PM time slot."
3. Gambling: "They spent hours playing the slots at the casino."
4. Technology: "The computer has three slots for additional memory cards."
5. Animal Tracking: "He followed the deer's slot in the soft dirt."

Advanced Usage

• In a hierarchy: "She beat some tough competition for the number one slot in the company."
• In grammar: "He learned about slot grammar in his linguistics class."

Word Variants

• Verb: "to slot" means to assign or fit something into a space or time.
  • Example: "We need to slot this event into next week’s schedule."

Different Meanings

• Slot Machine: A device used for gambling.
• Time Slot: A designated period for an event.
• Slot in Computing: A connector for adding hardware to a computer.

Synonyms

• Opening: For the physical meaning, like a narrow space.
• Position: For the time or organizational meaning.
• Place: Can also refer to a position in a sequence.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

• "In the slot": Often used to mean being in the right position or situation, especially in sports or performance.
• "Slot in": To fit something into a time or space.

Academic

Noun

1. a slot machine that is used for gambling
   • they spend hours and hours just playing the slots
2. (computer) a socket in a microcomputer that will accept a plug-in circuit board
   • the PC had three slots for additional memory
3. the trail of an animal (especially a deer)
   • he followed the deer's slot over the soft turf to the edge of the trees
4. a position in a hierarchy or organization
   • Bob Dylan occupied the top slot for several weeks
   • she beat some tough competition for the number one slot
5. a time assigned on a schedule or agenda
   • the TV program has a new time slot
   • an aircraft landing slot
6. a small slit (as for inserting a coin or depositing mail)
   • he put a quarter in the slot
7. a position in a grammatical linguistic construction in which a variety of alternative units are interchangeable
   • he developed a version of slot grammar

Verb

1. assign a time slot
   • slot a television program

Synonyms

• one-armed bandit
• expansion slot
• time slot