Dictionary

1slur

noun \ˈslər\

Definition of SLUR

1
a :  an insulting or disparaging remark or innuendo :  aspersion
b :  a shaming or degrading effect :  stain, stigma
2
:  a blurred spot in printed matter :  smudge
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Origin of SLUR

obsolete English dialect slur thin mud, from Middle English sloor; akin to Middle High German slier mud
First Known Use: 1609

2slur

verb
slurredslur·ring

Definition of SLUR

transitive verb
1
:  to cast aspersions on :  disparage <slurred his reputation>
2
:  to make indistinct :  obscure
intransitive verb
:  to slip so as to cause a slur —used of a sheet being printed

First Known Use of SLUR

1660

3slur

verb
slurredslur·ring

Definition of SLUR

transitive verb
1
a :  to slide or slip over without due mention, consideration, or emphasis <slurred over certain facts>
b :  to perform hurriedly :  skimp <let him not slur his lesson — R. W. Emerson>
2
:  to perform (successive tones of different pitch) in a smooth or connected manner
3
a :  to reduce, make a substitution for, or omit (sounds that would normally occur in an utterance)
b :  to utter with such reduction, substitution, or omission of sounds <his speech was slurred>
intransitive verb
1
dial chiefly English :  slip, slide
2
:  drag, shuffle

Origin of SLUR

probably from Low German slurrn to shuffle; akin to Middle English sloor mud
First Known Use: 1660

4slur

noun

Definition of SLUR

1
a :  a curved line connecting notes to be sung to the same syllable or performed without a break
b :  the combination of two or more slurred tones
2
:  a slurring manner of speech

First Known Use of SLUR

circa 1801

Other Music Terms

cacophony, chorister, concerto, counterpoint, madrigal, obbligato, presto, presto, refrain, riff, segue
SLUR Defined for Kids

1slur

noun \ˈslər\

Definition of SLUR for Kids

:  an insulting remark

2slur

verb
slurredslur·ring

Definition of SLUR for Kids

:  to speak in a way that is difficult to understand

3slur

noun

Definition of SLUR for Kids

:  a way of talking that is difficult to understand

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