slat
1[ slat ]
/ slæt /
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noun
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.
Aeronautics. a control surface along the leading edge of a wing that can be extended forward to create a gap (slot ) to improve airflow.
verb (used with object), slat·ted, slat·ting.
to furnish or make with slats
QUIZ
THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?
Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.
Question 1 of 7
In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…
Origin of slat
1First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English sclat, slat(te “a roofing tile, slate,” from Middle French esclat “splinter, chip”; see origin at éclat
Other definitions for slat (2 of 3)
slat2
[ slat ]
/ slæt /
verb (used with object), slat·ted, slat·ting.
to throw or dash with force.
verb (used without object), slat·ted, slat·ting.
to flap violently, as sails.
noun
a slap; a sharp blow.
Origin of slat
2First recorded in 1200–50; of obscure origin; possibly from Old Norse sletta “to slap, splash”
Other definitions for slat (3 of 3)
S. Lat.
abbreviation
south latitude.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use slat in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for slat (1 of 3)
slat1
/ (slæt) /
noun
a narrow thin strip of wood or metal, as used in a Venetian blind, etc
a movable or fixed auxiliary aerofoil attached to the leading edge of an aircraft wing to increase lift, esp during landing and takeoff
verb slats, slatting or slatted
(tr) to provide with slats
Word Origin for slat
C14: from Old French esclat splinter, from esclater to shatter
British Dictionary definitions for slat (2 of 3)
slat2
/ (slæt) dialect /
verb slats, slatting or slatted
(tr) to throw violently; fling carelessly
(intr) to flap violently
noun
a sudden blow
Word Origin for slat
C13: of Scandinavian origin; related to Old Norse, Icelandic sletta to slap
British Dictionary definitions for slat (3 of 3)
slat3
/ (slæt) /
noun
Irish a spent salmon
Word Origin for slat
C19: of uncertain origin
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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