The word “blotter” is often used in different contexts. It can refer to a piece of paper used to absorb excess ink, a pad used in law enforcement to record arrests, or even a person who is known for being forgetful. In this article, we will explore the various definitions and meanings of the word “blotter.”
Definitions
A blotter can refer to a piece of paper or cloth used to absorb excess ink, as well as a pad used by law enforcement officials to record arrests. It can also refer to a person who is known for being forgetful or absent-minded.
Origin
The word “blotter” is derived from the verb “to blot,” which means to absorb or soak up. The term was first used in the 15th century to describe a piece of cloth used to absorb ink. Over time, the term was also used to describe a pad used by law enforcement to record arrests.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The meaning of “blotter” can vary slightly depending on the dictionary used. According to Merriam-Webster, a blotter is “a piece of blotting paper or cloth, or a book containing such paper, used to absorb excess ink.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines a blotter as “a pad of paper on which a police officer notes details of crimes or arrests.”
Associations
The word “blotter” is often associated with law enforcement and police work, as well as with ink and writing. It can also be associated with forgetfulness or absent-mindedness, as in the case of a person who is known for being a “blotter.”
Synonyms
Some synonyms for “blotter” include pad, notebook, notepad, absorbent paper, and police log.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms for “blotter,” but some related words that could be considered opposites include “dry” or “clean.”
The same root words
The root word of “blotter” is “blot,” which comes from the Old Norse word “blautr,” meaning “soaked.” Other words with the same root include “blotch,” “blotchy,” and “blotting paper.”
Example Sentences
- The police officer recorded the suspect’s information in the blotter.
- I always keep a blotter on my desk to absorb any excess ink.
- My uncle is a bit of a blotter, always forgetting things and misplacing items.
- The artist used a blotter to create a unique texture in his painting.
- The ink from the pen left a blot on the paper, so I had to use a blotter to clean it up.