English Explanatory Dictionary

mote

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A small particle; a speck.
verb
  1. May or might.
  2. Must.
  3. Forming subjunctive expressions of wish: may.
noun
  1. A meeting for discussion.
  2. A body of persons who meet for discussion, especially about the management of affairs.
  3. A place of meeting for discussion.
noun
  1. A tiny computer for remote sensing; a component element of smartdust.
name
  1. A surname.

Pronunciation

/moʊt/ /məʊt/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-mote.wav

Word forms

mote motes must

Etymology

From Middle English mot, from Old English mot (“grain of sand; mote; atom”), from Proto-West Germanic *mot (“grain of dirt or sand, speck”). Perhaps linked to English mud. Compare West Frisian mot (“peat dust”), Dutch mot (“dust from turf; sawdust; grit”), Low German mut (“peat dust, grit”), Norwegian mutt (“speck; mote; splinter; chip”), Italian mota (“mud”), Spanish mota (“speck”).

Synonyms

modicum

Related words

floater

Derived words

dustmote moted moteless motelike motey so mote it be burghmote folk-mote hallmote mote bell portmote shiremote shire-mote swainmote wardmote woodmote
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