jots

Jots refers to multiple senses of the word jot in English. As a noun, jot can mean a very small amount, as in not a jot or not a jot of difference. It can also mean a brief written note or memorandum. As a verb, to jot means to write something down quickly and briefly, often as a reminder or a quick record. The plural form jots is used when talking about several such notes.

Etymology and history: The sense of jot as a tiny amount is traditionally linked to the metaphor of a small mark or stroke, with some association to the Greek letter iota, the smallest letter of the Greek alphabet. The biblical expression not a jot or tittle highlights the idea of an extremely small element, and this phrase has helped reinforce the notion of jots as minuscule quantities in English usage.

Usage: In everyday language, jot down is a common collocation meaning to record something briefly. Jots as notes appear in contexts such as study notes, lecture reminders, or quick observations. While jot is best known as a noun meaning a tiny amount or a brief note, the verb form is widely used to describe the act of rapid writing. The plural jots can refer to several such notes or entries.

Related terms and variants: Jotting is the gerund form that denotes the act of writing quickly. Jotter is used in some contexts to refer to a small notebook or, less commonly, a person who writes quickly. The phrase jot and tittle, rooted in biblical English, refers to the smallest marks of letters and is sometimes cited in discussions of precision or attention to detail.