blind spot

plural blind spots · alternative blindspot

1. The place where the optic nerve attaches to the retina, and so where the retina cannot detect light; the portion of the visual field that corresponds to this site.

   We all have a blind spot in our vision, but our brains usually compensate for it, such that we usually don't consciously notice it.

   Synonyms: optic disc, optic disk, scotoma

2. Any portion of the visual field in which the vision is impaired (by ocular disease).

   He has a few blind spots in his eyesight because of his diabetic retinopathy.

   Synonyms: scotoma

3. automotiveIn driving, the part of the road that cannot be seen in the rear-view mirror or side-view mirror.

   When he changed lanes, he sideswiped a car that was in his blind spot.

   2 more examples

   ‘Blind Spot Information System (BSIS)’ means a system to inform the driver of a possible collision with a bicycle near side.

   UN Regulation No 151 – Uniform provisions concerning the approval of motor vehicles with regard to the Blind Spot Information System for the Detection of Bicycles

   As its name suggests, BSW can detect traffic in a vehicle’s side blind spots and alert a driver to its presence. […] Taller and heavier vehicles tend to have larger side and rear blind spots, and generally pose a greater risk to those outside of them when compared to smaller vehicles.

   2023 August 24, Keith Barry, “SUV and Truck Buyers May Pay Thousands More for Life-Saving Feature, CR Study Shows” in Consumer Reports

   Synonyms: blindside

4. rail transportThe part of the railway/tramway track that cannot be seen in the side mirror or the side window.

   When he changed tracks, he sideswiped a railway worker that was in his blind spot.

   Synonyms: blindside

5. In a stadium or auditorium, any location affording those seated or standing there only an obstructed visual or auditory experience.

   Our seats turned out to be in a blind spot behind a pillar blocking our view on the stage.

6. figurativelyAn inability to recognize a fact or think clearly about a certain topic, especially because of a prejudice.

   He loves her so much that he has a blind spot when it comes to her faults.

   2 more examples

   "It's possible he has a blind spot I am unaware of, but I would be astonished if your father's attitude came from a place of bigotry. Where I can easily see it coming from is ignorance, confusion... and being your father."

   2021 November 12, Dan Shive, El Goonish Shive (webcomic), Comic for Friday, Nov 12, 2021

   Obviously, the second-wave feminism of the ’60s and ’70s could be pretty factional as well; there were vicious internal fights over issues like lesbianism and pornography, as well as over white feminists’ blind spots about race.

   2022 June 17, Michelle Goldberg, “The Future Isn’t Female Anymore”, in The New York Times

   Synonyms: scotoma

7. figurativelyA subject or area about which one is uninformed or misinformed, often because of a prejudice or lack of appreciation.

   I have a blind spot for math.

   2 more examples

   Atticus placed his fork beside his knife and pushed his plate aside. “Mr. Cunningham’s basically a good man,” he said, “he just has his blind spots along with the rest of us.” Jem spoke. “Don’t call that a blind spot. He’da killed you last night when he first went there.

   1960 July 11, Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird, Philadelphia, Pa.; New York, N.Y.: J[oshua] B[allinger] Lippincott Company, →OCLC

   The new study addresses the blind spot created by previous research having excluded healthy adult subjects.

   Synonyms: scotoma

8. communicationsA location where radio reception and/or transmission is significantly poorer than in surrounding locations.

   Synonyms: dead spot

9. geographyA location around an earthquake epicentre that is prone to earthquake.

   Synonyms: blind zone, dead spot

10. architectureThe flaw of building that cannot be seen when collapsing because poor structure, built not according specified standards, or not earthquake-proof.

    Synonyms: dead spot