slate

Syllabification: (slate)

Pronunciation: /slāt/

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Definition of slate

noun

1a fine-grained gray, green, or bluish metamorphic rock easily split into smooth, flat pieces.
a flat piece of slate used as roofing material.

2a flat piece of slate used for writing on, typically framed in wood, formerly used in schools.
a board showing the identifying details of a take of a motion picture, which is held in front of the camera at its beginning and end.
a small portable computer that accepts input directly onto its screen rather than via a keyboard or mouse; a tablet computer: after getting our hands on one this afternoon, we found that it’s a solid, well-performing slate that’s easy on the eyes

3 [usually as modifier] a bluish-gray color:suits of slate gray

4a list of candidates for election to a post or office, typically a group sharing a set of political views:another slate of candidates will be picked for the state convention
chiefly North American a range of something offered:the company has revealed details of a $60 million slate of film productions

verb

[with object]

1cover (something, especially a roof) with slates.

2British informal criticize severely:his work was slated by the critics

3 (usually be slated) chiefly North American schedule; plan:renovations are slated for late June [with object]:construction is slated to begin late next year
nominate (someone) as a candidate for an office or post:I understand that I am being slated for promotion

4identify (a movie take) using a slate.

Phrases

wipe the slate clean: see wipe.

Derivatives

slaty

Origin:

Middle English sclate, sklate, shortening of Old French esclate, feminine, synonymous with esclat 'piece broken off'(see slat). slate (sense 3 of the verb) of the verb arose from the practice of noting a name on a writing slate

slate in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of slate in the British & World English dictionary

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Other

slate

noun

verb

Phrases

wipe the slate clean

Derivatives

slaty

Origin:

slate in other Oxford dictionaries

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