A slot is an area of a computer motherboard that can be used to house memory, graphics cards, or other expansion devices. It is commonly found on modern CPUs and servers, but can also be found on older systems and desktops. There are many different types of slots, each suited to specific needs and configurations.
The word slot is derived from the Old French phrase, “slote,” meaning bolt or latch. A slot is a small opening in a door or other surface that allows something to main slot gratis pass through it. A slot in a door, for example, is used to let people into or out of a room. It may also refer to a small hole in a wall or other surface that lets someone hang something on it.
In an electronic casino, a slot machine is a mechanical device that accepts cash or, in the case of “ticket-in, ticket-out” machines, a paper ticket with a barcode. The machine displays a series of symbols on its reels and pays out credits based on the paytable when a winning combination is formed. Symbols vary by game, but classic symbols include fruit, bells, and stylized lucky sevens. Many slot games have a theme and bonus features that are aligned with it.
A slot in football is a position that is situated between a wide receiver and either a tight end or the RT/LT on the offensive line. The slot receiver is typically smaller in size and runs shorter routes on the route tree. They are used as secondary passing options or as decoys to open up outside receivers for deeper routes downfield. In addition, the slot receiver can also run in-routes such as slants and quick outs to create separation from defensive backs.
The term ‘slot’ can also be used to describe a time period in which a flight is authorized to land or take off at an airport. Air traffic controllers use slots to manage air traffic at busy airports and to prevent repeated delays that result from too many flights trying to land or take off at the same time. Slots are generally assigned on a first-come, first-served basis but can be modified if necessary to accommodate emergency flights.
