spec

[spek] /spɛk/
noun
1.
Usually, specs. specification (def 2).
2.
speculation.
adjective
3.
built, done, bought, etc., as a speculation:
the construction of spec houses.
verb (used with object), spec'd or specked or specced, spec'ing or specking or speccing.
4.
to provide specifications for:
Their newest truck was spec'd by a computer.
Idioms
5.
on spec, made, built, or done with hopes of but no assurance of payment or a sale; without commitment by a client or buyer:
ad illustrations done on spec; luxury homes built on spec and sold before completion.
Origin
1785-95, Americanism; by shortening
Related forms
spec’er, specker, noun
British Dictionary definitions for on spec

spec

/spɛk/
noun
1.
on spec, as a speculation or gamble: all the tickets were sold so I went to the theatre on spec
adjective
2.
(prenominal) (Austral & NZ) speculative: a spec developer
Word Origin
C19: short for speculation or speculative
Word Origin and History for on spec

spec

n.

short for specification, 1956. Related: Specs.

Slang definitions & phrases for on spec

on spec

adverb phrase

As a venture or gamble; hoping to profit: They said they would take the case on spec (1832+)


spec

noun

The spectacular opening procession of a circus: Mrs Webster rode an elephant in the ''spec'' (1926+ Circus)


spec

Related Terms

on spec


Related Abbreviations for on spec

spec

  1. speculation
  2. write specifications for
Idioms and Phrases with on spec

on spec

Done on a speculative basis; with no assurance of profit. For example, We didn't design our house; the builder built it on spec. The use of spec as an abbreviation for speculation dates from the late 1700s.

spec

see: on spec