slur

noun \ ˈslər \

Definition of slur

1 a :an insulting or disparaging remark or innuendo :aspersion

b :a shaming or degrading effect :stain, stigma

2 :a blurred spot in printed matter :smudge

Origin and Etymology of slur

obsolete English dialect slur thin mud, from Middle English sloor; akin to Middle High German slier mud

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1609

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slur

verb

Definition of slur

slurred; slurring

transitive verb

1 :to cast aspersions on :disparage

slurred his reputation

2 :to make indistinct :obscure

intransitive verb

:to slip so as to cause a slur —used of a sheet being printed

First Known Use of slur

1660

slur

verb

Definition of slur

slurred; slurring

transitive verb

1 a :to slide or slip over without due mention, consideration, or emphasis

slurred over certain facts

b :to perform hurriedly :skimp

let him not slur his lesson
—R. W. Emerson

2 :to perform (successive tones of different pitch) in a smooth or connected manner

3 a :to reduce, make a substitution for, or omit (sounds that would normally occur in an utterance)

b :to utter with such reduction, substitution, or omission of sounds

his speech was slurred

intransitive verb

1 dialectal, chiefly England :slip, slide

2 :drag, shuffle

Origin and Etymology of slur

probably from Low German slurrn to shuffle; akin to Middle English sloor mud

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1660

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slur

noun

Definition of slur

1 a :a curved line connecting notes to be sung to the same syllable or performed without a break

b :the combination of two or more slurred tones

2 :a slurring manner of speech

First Known Use of slur

circa 1801

Other Music Terms

cacophony, chorister, concerto, counterpoint, madrigal, obbligato, presto, refrain, riff, segue

SLUR Defined for Kids

slur

noun \ ˈslər \

Definition of slur for Students

:an insulting remark

slur

verb

Definition of slur for Students

slurred; slurring

:to speak in a way that is difficult to understand

slur

noun

Definition of slur for Students

:a way of talking that is difficult to understand

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See words that rhyme with slur Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for slur Spanish Central: Translation of slur Nglish: Translation of slur for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of slur for Arabic speakers

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Origin and Etymology of slur

slur

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slur

Definition of slur

Origin and Etymology of slur

slur

Definition of slur

First Known Use of slur

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SLUR Defined for Kids

slur

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Definition of slur for Students

slur

Definition of slur for Students

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