blind spot

Noun

blind spot (plural blind spots)

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. In 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.
   • ‘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

   Synonyms:

   blindside

4. The 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. (figuratively) An 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.
   • "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

   Synonyms:

   scotoma

7. (figuratively) A subject or area about which one is uninformed or misinformed, often because of a prejudice or lack of appreciation.
   • 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. A location where radio reception and/or transmission is significantly poorer than in surrounding locations.

   Synonyms:

   dead spot

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

   Synonyms:

   blind zone, dead spot

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

    Synonyms:

    dead spot