mote

Meaning

Noun

A small particle; a speck.

Verb

1. May or might.
2. (obsolete) Must.
3. Forming subjunctive expressions of wish: may.

Synonyms

speck

particle

speck of dust

atom

corpuscle

molecule

elementary particle

powder

dust

tumulus

barrow

subatomic particle

atomy

Pronounced as (IPA)

/moʊt/

Etymology

From Middle English mot, from Old English mot (“grain of sand; mote; atom”), but of uncertain ultimate origin. Sometimes linked to Spanish mota (“speck”) and English mud.
Compare West Frisian mot (“peat dust”), Dutch mot (“dust from turf; sawdust; grit”), Norwegian mutt (“speck; mote; splinter; chip”).