A slot is a narrow notch or groove, such as a keyway in a machine or the slit for coins in a vending machine. It may also refer to a position in a group, program, or schedule: He was given the slot as copy editor of the Gazette.
In a video slot machine, a candle on top of the machine flashes to indicate that change is needed, hand pay requested or a problem with the machine. The player can access the machine’s payout information via a “paytable” button. The number of credits in the credit meter at the end of a spin determines the player’s score. Some machines display a credit meter in a scrolling window, while others use a stylized readout that fits the game’s theme and user interface.
In sports, a specialized area in front of an opposing team’s goal that affords a vantage point for an attacking player: The low slot is right in front of the goaltender and between the face-off circles; the high slot is above them. Also known as no man’s land.
In ornithology, the slot is a narrow notch or opening in the tips of some bird’s wings that helps to maintain the flow of air during flight: Compare with winglet. Also, a time period allocated to an activity by an airport or air-traffic management authority: The airline was granted 40 slots at U.S. airports.