Blotch

Part of speech: noun, verb

Pronunciation: /blɒtʃ/

Definitions

1. An irregularly shaped spot or stain that appears on a surface or material
2. A patch of discoloration that marks an object unevenly and disrupts its uniform appearance
3. A blotchy mark or blemish that stands out against the surrounding area for being uneven

Etymology: "Blotch" is one of those words whose parentage is still disputed. The most common suggestion is that it blends "blot" with "botch," so that a spot of ink or dirt picks up the sense of a clumsy, uneven mess. The blend idea is plausible on meaning alone, since "blot" supplies the stain and "botch" supplies the sense of something marred or badly made, but it remains a guess rather than a documented fact. The word's core sense is physical and visual: an irregular patch that breaks up a surface that ought to be even, such as a splash of colour on a page or a reddish mark on skin. The verb follows the same pattern, meaning to mark something with such patches or to make it look smudged. Because the two parts it may combine are both about spoiling a surface, the word settled into describing exactly that kind of uneven disfigurement.

Synonyms: stain, spot, mark

Antonyms: clean, purity