Dot
/dɒt/noun
A small round mark or spot.
Did you know?English *dot* is a late word of uncertain origin, but it may be related to Middle English *dotte*, meaning a small speck or point, and ultimately to a root that shows up in *dart* and *dirt* in some historical reconstructions—proof that tiny marks can have a surprisingly murky past.
Etymological Timeline
Middle English
ME
dotte
“a small spot or speck”
Late Middle English
ME
dot
“a small round mark”
Early Modern English
English
dot
“a point, speck, or spot used in writing and print”
Modern English
English
dot
“a tiny round mark; also used in punctuation and digital addresses”