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A tiny particle or speck, often visible in a beam of light.
synonyms:speckparticle
Derived from the Old English word 'mot' which means a small particle or dust, and is related to the Middle Dutch 'mot' and the Old Norse 'mott'.
Commonly used in both everyday conversation and literary contexts, particularly when describing small particles or dust.
While 'mote' is not used daily, it appears often in literature and discussions about cleanliness or visibility of small particles.
As the sunlight streamed through the window, I could see a mote dancing in the air.
He squinted, trying to identify the mote that had settled on his book.
The room was so dusty that even the smallest mote seemed to stand out.
The word 'mote' evokes images of tiny specks floating in sunlight, adding a touch of whimsy to our language. Originating from old English roots, it reminds us of the small things that often go unnoticed in our busy lives. Despite its infrequent everyday use, 'mote' finds its way into poetry and prose, adding a poetic flair when describing the minutiae of our world. So, next time you see a speck of dust dancing in a sunbeam, remember to appreciate the beauty of the humble mote!