What is a Slot?
A narrow notch or opening, such as a keyway in machinery or a slit for a coin in a vending machine. Also: a position in a group or program. He slotted the appointment into his schedule.
In computer networking, a logical connection point that can be used to add functionality. For example, an expansion slot contains circuitry that allows a computer to add additional disk drive capabilities. A slot can also refer to an area on a motherboard where a printed circuit board is inserted. See the motherboard definition for a visual illustration of a slot.
An allocation of a scheduled time and place for a flight to take off or land at an airport, as authorized by an air traffic control authority. Slots are often used to manage air traffic at busy airports and can prevent repeated delays due to too many flights trying to take off or land simultaneously.
The term taste is a reference to the small amount paid out on electromechanical slot machines in order to keep players seated and continuously betting, even when the odds of winning are low. In modern video slot games, only rarely will a machine fail to pay out at least the minimum payout over the course of several pulls.
A slot is the name of a specific feature round on a video game or casino machine that pays out credits and may include a mini-game or interactive bonus event. Some slots offer progressive jackpots and/or other bonuses based on player activity. The details of a specific slot’s feature rounds are usually described in the pay table or help menu.
Aeronautics
A slit in the tips of the primaries on an aircraft’s wings, which during flight helps maintain a smooth flow of air over the wing.
Sports[Ice Hockey]an unmarked area in front of the goal that affords a vantage for an attacking player.
The space in the middle of a field where the quarterback throws the ball. A slot receiver catches the ball at or near this spot and is usually responsible for covering both the deep and short routes.
In the United States, private ownership of slot machines is legal in some jurisdictions and prohibited in others. States with laws allowing it typically require that slot machines be licensed and regulated by the local gambling authority. In some cases, slot machines can be operated in establishments that sell liquor or cigarettes.
A slot in a football team’s defense is a position on the defensive line where an extra defensive back covers both press coverage and inside pass coverage, which can be difficult for a second-year cornerback to master. In most football games, the slot is covered by the strong safety position, but the position can be played by any defensive back who has experience at the college level. A strong safety is especially useful in this role because it can double as a blitz specialist when necessary. In more advanced teams, the slot is sometimes covered by a second safety.