slot
UK: slɒt | US: slɑːt
n. a narrow opening or groove for inserting or fitting something
n. a scheduled time or position in a sequence or system
vt. to place or fit into a slot
slot = sl<cut> + ot<noun suffix>
- sl<cut>: Derived from Old French esclot (a track or hoofprint), likely related to Old Norse slóð (trail or track). The core idea is a narrow mark or opening.
- ot<noun suffix>: A diminutive or nominalizing suffix in some Germanic roots, though its exact role here is debated.
Etymology Origin:
The word "slot" traces back to Old Norse slóð, meaning a trail or track, which evolved into Old French esclot (a footprint or groove). By the 14th century, English adopted it to describe narrow openings (e.g., for coins or letters). The modern sense of "allocated position" (e.g., time slots) emerged in the 20th century, metaphorically extending the idea of a "space" to fit something.
Insert the coin into the slot to start the machine.
She booked a slot for her presentation at the conference.
The carpenter cut a slot into the wood for the hinge.
The TV show has a prime-time slot on Fridays.
The new policy slots neatly into our existing framework.