dot (redirected from dotal)

dot

(1) A tiny round, rectangular or square spot that is one element in a matrix, which is used to display or print a graphics or text image. See dot matrix .

(2) A period; for example, V dot 22 is the same as V.22.

(3) The dot, or period, is used as a name separator. For example, file names are separated from their extensions with a dot (CDE.ABC, CDE.NDX, etc.). It is also used to separate the components of Web addresses, such as between the "www," the registered domain name and the top level domain (TLD); for example, www.computerlanguage.com.

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dot¹

1. Music

a. the symbol (·) placed after a note or rest to increase its time value by half

b. this symbol written above or below a note indicating that it must be played or sung staccato

2. Maths Logic

a. the symbol (⋅) indicating multiplication or logical conjunction

b. a decimal point

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dot²

Civil law a woman's dowry

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dot [dät]

(electronics)

button

(graphic arts)

A subdivision of the printing surface into minute units, formed by a halftone screen and separated by the etching process.

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(character)

dot - decimal point. See also dot file, dot notation.