Damage over time

Damage over time, also referred to as DOTS and dotting, is a term used in video games, particularly in MMORPGs.

Terminology
Damage over time refers to abilities or spells that cause a certain amount of damage over a period of time; usually in the form of debuffs. Area of effect can also fall under this category in certain circumstances. The damage caused from a DoT is referred to as a "tick". Increasing stats such as haste or spellcasting can ultimately increase the amount of ticks per spell, or the amount of damage caused each tick. DoTs typically need to be reapplied once they run their course and are usually the opening spells and abilities in a player's combat rotation.