1 [mass noun] a fine-grained grey, green, or bluish-purple metamorphic rock easily split into smooth, flat plates: [as modifier]:slate quarriesa slate floor
2a flat plate of slate used as roofing material:a loose slate falls from the roof [as modifier]:a grey slate roof
a flat plate of slate formerly used for writing on in schools:the teacher was demonstrating, the children copying on to slates
British a record of a person’s debit or credit (in pubs and shops formerly written on a slate):‘Five quid,’ said the barman. ‘Put it on my slate,’ I suggested
a small portable computer that accepts input directly on to its screen rather than via a keyboard or mouse; a tablet computer:after getting our hands on one this afternoon, we found that it’s a solid, well-performing slate that’s easy on the eyes
3 [mass noun, usually as modifier] a bluish-grey colour:suits of slate grey
4a list of candidates for election to a post or office, typically a group sharing a set of political views:candidates on the left’s slate won 74 per cent of constituency votes
chiefly North American a range of something on offer:the company has revealed details of a $60m slate of film productions
5a board showing the identifying details of a take in a film, held in front of the camera at the beginning and end of the take:the electronic time-code system allowed us to shoot with or without conventional slates
ზმნა
Universal
1cover (something, especially a roof) with slates:he was working for his father slating a new roof (as adjective slated)a slated roof
2British informal criticize severely:his work was slated by the critics
3chiefly North American schedule; plan:London shows are slated for late June [with infinitive]:construction is slated to begin late next year
nominate (someone) as a candidate for an office or post:I understand that I am being slated for promotion
4identify (a take in a film) using a slate:the assistant cameraman is about to slate the scene