slate
pronunciation
How to pronounce slate in British English:
UK [sleɪt]
How to pronounce slate in American English:
US [slet]
-
- Noun:
- (formerly) a writing tablet made of slate
- thin layers of rock used for roofing
- a fine-grained metamorphic rock that can be split into thin layers
- a list of candidates nominated by a political party to run for election to public offices
-
- Verb:
- designate or schedule
- enter on a list or slate for an election
- cover with slate
Word Origin
- slate (n.)
- mid-14c., from Old French esclate, fem. of esclat "split piece, splinter" (Modern French éclat; see slat), so called because the rock splits easily into thin plates. As an adjective, 1510s. As a color, first recorded 1813. Sense of "a writing tablet" (made of slate), first recorded late 14c., led to that of "list of preliminary candidates prepared by party managers," first recorded 1842, from notion of being easily altered or erased. Clean slate (1856) is an image from customer accounts chalked up in a tavern.
- slate (v.)
- 1520s, "to cover with slates" (earlier sclatten, late 15c.), from slate (n.). Meaning "propose, schedule" is from 1883; earlier "to nominate" (1804); the notion is of writing on a slate board. Related: Slated; slating.
Example
- 1. I began to use a slate for my writing .
- 2. Those glorious inundations moved massive quantities of sediment through thegrand canyon , wiping the slate dirty , and making a muddy mess of silt and muckthat would make modern river rafters cringe .
- 3. But the slate was clearly fitted for my mood of the moment .
- 4. Cutlery and crockery was found in charity shops and the bathroom tiles were made from reclaimed welsh slate .
- 5. The slate mining industry on easdale island declined rapidly after this and by 1911 , it stopped altogether .