First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1slate
noun \ˈslāt\
: a type of hard rock that splits easily into thin layers
: a small sheet of slate in a wooden frame that was used in schools in the past for writing on with chalk
: a piece of slate that is used with others to cover a roof or wall
Full Definition of SLATE
1
: a piece of construction material (as laminated rock) prepared as a shingle for roofing and siding
2
: a dense fine-grained metamorphic rock produced by the compression of various sediments (as clay or shale) so as to develop a characteristic cleavage
3
: a tablet (as of slate) used for writing on
4
a : a written or unwritten record (as of deeds) <started with a clean slate> b : a list of candidates for nomination or election
5
a : a dark purplish gray b : any of various grays similar in color to common roofing slates
— slate adjective
— slate·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective
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Origin of SLATE
Middle English sclate, slate, from Anglo-French *esclat, from esclater to splinter, break off, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German zesleizzen, slīzan to tear apart — more at slit
Other Geology Terms
2slate
transitive verb
slat·edslat·ing
Definition of SLATE
1
: to cover with slate or a slatelike substance <slate a roof>
2
: to designate for a specified purpose or action : schedule <was slated to direct the play>
First Known Use of SLATE
15th century
3slate
transitive verb
slat·edslat·ing
Definition of SLATE
1
: to thrash or pummel severely
2
chiefly British : to criticize or censure severely
Origin of SLATE
probably alteration of 1slat
First Known Use: 1825
SLATE Defined for Kids
slate
noun \ˈslāt\
Definition of SLATE for Kids
1
: a fine-grained usually bluish gray rock that splits into thin layers or plates and is used mostly for roofing and blackboards
2
: a framed piece of slate used to write on
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