1. A fine-grained metamorphic rock that can be split into thin layers
   "They chose slate for the roof tiles due to its durability"
    
2. Thin layers of rock used for roofing
   "The historic building's slate roof had lasted for over a century";
   - slating
    
3. [N. Amer] A list of candidates nominated by a political party to run for election to public offices
   "The party announced its slate of candidates for the upcoming election";
   - ticket [N. Amer]
    
4. A bluish-grey colour
   "The walls were painted a cool slate, giving the room a modern feel"
    
5. (formerly) a writing tablet made of slate
   "Students in the one-room schoolhouse wrote their lessons on individual slates"

1. [N. Amer] Designate or schedule
   "He slated his talk for 9 AM"; "She was slated to be his successor"
    
2. [N. Amer] Enter on a list or slate for an election
   "He was slated for borough president"
    
3. Cover with slate
   "slate the roof"
    
4. [Brit, informal] Strongly criticize
   "she was slated for being fat";
   - tear to shreds [informal], slam [informal], roast [informal], burn [informal]

Derived forms: slated, slating, slates

Type of: cross-file, designate, destine, gray [US], grayness [US], grey [Brit, Cdn], greyness [Brit, Cdn], intend, list, listing, register, roof, roofing material, sedimentary rock, specify, tablet

Encyclopedia: Slate, Virginia