slate
UK: sleɪt | US: sleɪt
n. 1. A fine-grained gray, green, or bluish metamorphic rock easily split into smooth, flat plates.
n. 2. A flat piece of slate used for roofing or writing (historically).
vt. 1. To cover (a roof) with slates.
vt. 2. (Informal) To schedule or designate something for a particular time or purpose.
The word "slate" traces back to Old French esclate, meaning "splinter" or "flat piece," derived from the verb esclater ("to split"). This reflects the rock's natural tendency to cleave into thin, smooth layers. The term entered Middle English as sclate or slate, retaining its core meaning of a flat, splittable material. Over time, its usage expanded metaphorically (e.g., "slate" for writing tablets, later for scheduling).
The cottage had a roof made of weathered slate.
Historians found notes scribbled on ancient slate tablets.
The conference was slated for next March.
She angrily wiped the slate clean and started over.
The artist used a slate-gray palette for the mural.