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 substance2: 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>