noun / verb
slate
SLAYT/sleɪt/
A fine-grained stone that separates into thin sheets.
Thin sheets of slate fan out beside a rough gray rock.
Etymology
Esclate meant a split piece or splinter: slate takes its name from the rock’s tendency to split easily into thin plates, the property that makes it useful for roofing.
In context
some, of, the, original, slate tiles which helped keep the dairy cool have survived.
More examples
- The kitchen floor is made of slate.
- The workers slate the roof one section at a time.
- The roofer replaces three cracked slates above the porch.
Forms
slate · slates · slated · slating
Similar words
- stone
- Names rock material generally, without implying thin, easily separated layers.