Main Entry: ¹smear

Pronunciation: \ˈsmir\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English smere, from Old English smeoru; akin to Old High German smero grease and probably to Old Irish smiur marrow

Date: before 12th century

1 a : a viscous or sticky substance b : a spot made by or as if by an unctuous or adhesive substance
2 : material smeared on a surface (as of a microscopic slide); also : a preparation made by smearing material on a surface <a vaginal smear>
3 : a usually unsubstantiated charge or accusation against a person or organization —often used attributively <a smear campaign> <a smear job>