blotter

blotter — noun

1. a thick desk sheet that soaks up fresh ink and helps keep the writing surface cl

1.名詞C2
釋義

a thick desk sheet that soaks up fresh ink and helps keep the writing surface clean.

例句

Ms. Ito laid a blotter under the letter before signing in ink.

lay a blotter under + paper

A dark blue blotter protected the desk during Ravi's handwriting lesson.

同義詞
  • blotting paper

    names the absorbent paper itself, not always a desk-sized pad

  • desk pad

    broader term for a desk cover; it may not absorb ink

文法句型

lay a blotter under + paper

use a blotter to dry ink

leather blotter / desk blotter

用法筆記

Most common in older writing or office contexts, especially with fountain pens and handwritten letters. Modern speakers may use desk pad for a broader mat that protects a desk but does not need to absorb ink.

常見錯誤

I wrote my homework in a blotter.
I wrote my homework in a notebook.
💡A blotter is a sheet or pad for wet ink, not a book for notes.

2. the day-by-day log kept by police, where officers write down arrests and other i

2.名詞C2
釋義

the day-by-day log kept by police, where officers write down arrests and other incidents.

例句

By noon, the desk sergeant had entered three fights in the blotter.

enter + incident in the blotter

Reporters checked the blotter for details about the bank robbery.

check the blotter

同義詞
  • police log

    a close modern equivalent in plain language

  • station record

    broader and less fixed as a set term

  • register

    more formal and used for many official lists, not only police work

文法句型

enter + incident in the blotter

read/check the blotter

blotter entry

用法筆記

Usually appears with verbs such as enter, read, check, and see. Distinguish it from criminal record: a blotter is the station's running daily log, not a complete file on one person.

常見錯誤

His blotter stopped him from getting the job.
His criminal record stopped him from getting the job.
💡A blotter is a police station's daily log, not one person's full legal history.