slow motion

¹

noun

1. the process or technique of filming or taping a motion-picture or television sequence at an accelerated rate of speed and then projecting or replaying it at normal speed so that the action appears to be slowed down.

2. the effect thus created.

slow-motion

²

[sloh-moh-shuhn]

adjective

1. of, pertaining to or made in slow motion.

   a slow-motion replay.

2. moving or proceeding at a strikingly slow rate.

   slow-motion progress toward a settlement.

slow motion

noun

1. films television action that is made to appear slower than normal by passing the film through the taking camera at a faster rate than normal or by replaying a video tape recording more slowly

adjective

1. films television of or relating to such action

2. moving or functioning at less than usual speed

Word History and Origins

Origin of slow motion¹

First recorded in 1920–25

Origin of slow motion²

First recorded in 1925–30