slate

[ sleyt ]

/ sleɪt /

noun

a fine-grained rock formed by the metamorphosis of clay, shale, etc., that tends to split along parallel cleavage planes, usually at an angle to the planes of stratification.

a thin piece or plate of this rock or a similar material, used especially for roofing or as a writing surface.

a dull, dark bluish gray.

a list of candidates, officers, etc., to be considered for nomination, appointment, election, or the like.

verb (used with object), slat·ed, slat·ing.

to cover with or as with slate.

to write or set down for nomination or appointment: the district leader slated for city judge.

to plan or designate (something) for a particular place and time; schedule: The premiere was slated for January.

to censure or criticize harshly or violently; scold.

to punish severely.

Idioms for slate

clean slate, an unsullied record; a record marked by creditable conduct: to start over with a clean slate.

Origin of slate

1300–50; Middle English sclate < Middle French esclate, feminine of esclat piece split off; see slat¹

Words nearby slate

slashfest, slashing, slat, slat back, slatch, slate, slate black, slate blue, slate-colored junco, slated for, be, slater

British Dictionary definitions for clean slate (1 of 2)

slate ¹

/ (sleɪt) /

noun

a compact fine-grained metamorphic rock formed by the effects of heat and pressure on shale. It can be split into thin layers along natural cleavage planes and is used as a roofing and paving material
(as modifier)a slate tile

a roofing tile of slate

(formerly) a writing tablet of slate

a dark grey colour, often with a purplish or bluish tinge

mainly US and Canadian a list of candidates in an election

films

the reference information written on a clapperboard
informal the clapperboard itself

clean slate a record without dishonour

have a slate loose British and Irish informal to be eccentric or crazy

on the slate British informal on credit

wipe the slate clean informal to make a fresh start, esp by forgetting past differences

verb (tr)

to cover (a roof) with slates

mainly US to enter (a person's name) on a list, esp on a political slate

to choose or destinehe was slated to go far
to plan or schedulethe trial is slated to begin in three weeks

adjective

of the colour slate

Word Origin for slate

C14: from Old French esclate, from esclat a fragment; see slat 1

British Dictionary definitions for clean slate (2 of 2)

slate ²

/ (sleɪt) /

verb (tr) informal, mainly British

to criticize harshly; censure

to punish or defeat severely

Word Origin for slate

C19: probably from slate 1

Scientific definitions for clean slate

slate

[ slāt ]

A fine-grained metamorphic rock that forms when shale undergoes metamorphosis. Slate splits into thin layers with smooth surfaces. It ranges in color from gray to black or from red to green, depending on the minerals contained in the shale from which it formed.

Cultural definitions for clean slate

clean slate

A new start; especially to make a new start by clearing the record. This phrase comes from the use of chalk and slates in classrooms in the past. By wiping the slate clean, a student could remove any evidence of a mistake.

Idioms and Phrases with clean slate (1 of 2)

clean slate

A fresh start; another chance after wiping out old offenses or debts. This idiom often appears as wipe the slate clean. For example, Henry's boss assured him that the matter was finished and he could start with a clean slate, or He wished he could wipe the slate clean, but it was too late to salvage the relationship. This expression alludes to the slate boards on which school work or tavern bills were recorded in easily wiped-off chalk. Since 1850 or so the term has been used figuratively, and it has long outlived the practice of writing on slate.

Idioms and Phrases with clean slate (2 of 2)

slate

In addition to the idiom beginning with slate

slated for, be

also see:

clean slate

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Learning

slate

noun