slating Definition

slate¹
noun

1. geol.
A shiny dark grey metamorphic rock that is easily split into thin flat layers, formed by the compression of clays and shales, and used for roofing and flooring.
2. A roofing tile made of this.
3. formerly
A piece of this for writing on.
4. A record of credit given to a customer.

Example: put it on my slate
5. A dull grey colour.

verb

slated, slating
1. To cover (a roof) with slates.

adj

1. Made of slate.
2. Slate-coloured.

Derivative: slated
adj

Derivative: slating
noun

Derivative: slaty
adj

Idiom: have a slate loose

To be mentally deranged or mad.

Idiom: on the slate

On credit.

Idiom: wipe the slate clean

To enable a person to make a fresh start in a job, relationship, etc by ignoring past mistakes, acts of crime, etc. See also clean slate.

Etymology: 14c: from French esclate.

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slate²
verb

slated, slating
1. colloq
To criticize extremely harshly; to abuse or reprimand.

Etymology: 19c: Norse.