flying spot

noun

: a spot of light moved over a surface (such as one bearing printing or an image) so that light reflected from or transmitted by different parts of the surface is translated into electrical signals for transmission (as in television or computers)

Word History

First Known Use

1933, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of flying spot was in 1933

Dictionary Entries Near flying spot

Cite this Entry

“Flying spot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flying%20spot. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!