Taut vs Tot - What's the difference?

As an adjective taut

is tight; under tension, as in a rope or bow string.

thunder.

* (Scotland)

(er)

Tight; under tension, as in a rope or bow string.

* 1883:

The hawser was as taut as a bowstring - so strong she pulled upon her anchor.

Experiencing stress or anxiety.

* 1989 Faye Kellerman, The Quality of Mercy

His outward appearance was calm, but inside he was very taut .

Containing only relevant parts, brief and controlled.

* 2007 Milton C. Sernett, Harriet Tubman: Myth, Memory and History

Quick action and dialogue create a taut story, although it is illustration that shapes the characters.

* tauten * tautly * tautness

tense ----

(en noun)

A small child.

He learned to run when he was just a tot .

A measure of spirits, especially rum.

* 1897: Mary H. Kingsley, Travels in West Africa

Then I give them a tot of rum apiece, as they sit huddled in their blankets.

* 1916: Siegfried Sassoon, The Working Party

And tot of rum to send him warm to sleep.

(UK, dialect, dated) A foolish fellow.

(Halliwell)

Shortening of

To sum or total.

* tot up