slat

¹

[slat]

noun

1. a long thin, narrow strip of wood, metal, etc., used as a support for a bed, as one of the horizontal laths of a Venetian blind, etc.

2. Aeronautics.,  a control surface along the leading edge of a wing that can be extended forward to create a gap slot to improve airflow.

3. Slang.,  slats,

   1. the ribs.

   2. the buttocks.

   3. Slats, a nickname for a tall, slender man.

verb (used with object)

slatted, slatting 

1. to furnish or make with slats

slat

²

[slat]

verb (used with object)

slatted, slatting 

1. to throw or dash with force.

verb (used without object)

slatted, slatting 

1. to flap violently, as sails.

noun

1. a slap; a sharp blow.

slat

¹

/ slæt /

noun

1. a narrow thin strip of wood or metal, as used in a Venetian blind, etc

2. a movable or fixed auxiliary aerofoil attached to the leading edge of an aircraft wing to increase lift, esp during landing and takeoff

verb

1. (tr) to provide with slats

slat

²

/ slæt /

verb

1. (tr) to throw violently; fling carelessly

2. (intr) to flap violently

noun

1. a sudden blow

slat

³

/ slæt /

noun

1. a spent salmon

Word History and Origins

Origin of slat¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English sclat, slat(te “a roofing tile, slate,” from Middle French esclat “splinter, chip”; éclat

Origin of slat²

First recorded in 1200–50; of obscure origin; possibly from Old Norse sletta “to slap, splash”

Word History and Origins

Origin of slat¹

C14: from Old French esclat splinter, from esclater to shatter

Origin of slat²

C13: of Scandinavian origin; related to Old Norse, Icelandic sletta to slap

Origin of slat³

C19: of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

Flaps and slats increase lift at lower speeds, helping an aircraft take off and land safely by allowing it to fly slower without stalling.

From BBC

A diagnosis of prostate cancer is a kick in the proverbial slats.

From Salon

Somehow, the three slats across the back were untouched by flames that melted steel beams and cookware.

From Los Angeles Times

He also used fencing slats and metal poles "as weapons against officers" and was seen "smashing up" an air conditioning unit outside the hotel.

From BBC

Through the slatted wall, volunteers provide them with clothes, medical supplies and snacks — even free WiFi and an electrical strip to charge their phones.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bar 
• bat 
• baton 
• cane 
• club 
• rod 
• slab 
• stalk 
• strip 
• wand 
• wedge