blotter
UK[ˈblɒtə(r)]US[ˈblɑːtər]
n
a piece of blotting paper used to absorb excess ink.
n
a book in which events or transactions are recorded as they occur, especially a police record of arrests and charges.
Morpheme Breakdown
blot
er
blot
er
Etymology
the word 'blotter' originates from the late 16th century, derived from the verb 'blot', which means to stain or absorb liquid. the core morpheme 'blot' has germanic roots, likely related to old norse 'blettr', meaning a spot. the suffix '-er' is a common english agentive ending, transforming the action into an object that performs it. thus, a 'blotter' literally means 'a thing that blots', evolving from a simple sheet for soaking up ink to also denote a book for recording information, metaphorically absorbing or fixing details onto a page.
Analysis
Structure: blot + er
blot (from middle english 'blot', meaning a spot or stain; of germanic origin) + er (agent noun suffix, from old english '-ere', indicating a person or thing that performs an action).
Examples
she carefully lifted the blotter to prevent the ink from smudging her letter.
the sergeant entered the suspect's details into the station's daily blotter.
he reached for the desk blotter to clean up the small coffee spill.