Blotters is a plural noun referring to sheets of absorbent paper used for soaking up excess ink or drying wet writing. The IPA phonetic transcription of blotters is /ˈblɑːtərz/. The first syllable 'bl' is pronounced as in the word 'black', followed by the short 'a' sound as in 'cat'. The second syllable 'ot' is pronounced as in 'hot', and the final syllable '-ers' is pronounced like 'ers' in 'doctors'. The plural form is indicated by the 's' sound at the end.
Blotters refer to various objects, commonly used in office or writing settings, that serve the purpose of absorbing or drying ink. The term can be used to describe different types of items:
1. Writing Blotters: Also known as ink blotters or desk blotters, these are large, flat pads often made of blotting paper or fabric placed on desks or writing surfaces to absorb excess ink from freshly written or printed documents. Their primary function is to prevent smudging or smearing of ink, allowing the paper to dry effectively.
2. Blotting Paper: This type of blotter is a highly absorbent, thin paper used to soak up excessive liquid, such as ink spills or oil, from various surfaces. It is often made from materials like cotton, cellulose, or linen fibers, and is commonly used in art studios, laboratories, or by calligraphers.
3. Police Blotters: A police blotter is a record or log maintained by law enforcement agencies. It contains concise, chronological entries summarizing details of criminal incidents, arrests, or other noteworthy activities within a specific jurisdiction. It serves as a primary document for documenting police activities, aiding in investigations, and providing public records of incidents within the community.
In summary, blotters refer to absorbent objects used to dry or remove ink, including writing blotters for desks, blotting paper for spills, and police blotters for documenting law enforcement activities.
The word "blotter" is derived from the verb "blot", which dates back to the 15th century. The term originally referred to absorbent materials (such as paper or cloth) used to blot or absorb excess liquid or ink. Over time, as writing became more common, scribes and writers started using specialized sheets of paper or pads, called blotters, to quickly absorb excess ink and prevent smudging or smearing. These blotters were particularly useful when using dip pens or fountain pens that required a dip in an inkwell before writing. Eventually, the term "blotter" came to refer to any object or material used to absorb or dry up liquid, including the blotter paper specifically used as writing pads. Today, "blotters" can refer to various absorbent materials or objects, from paper used for drying ink to substances soaked in drugs, depending on the context.