noun

1. a hard, fine-grained, metamorphic rock, typically formed from shale, that cleaves naturally into thin, smooth-surfaced layers
2. a thin piece of slate or slatelike material, esp. one used as a roofing tile or as a tablet for writing on with chalk
3. the bluish-gray color of most slate
   also slate blue
4. ☆ a list of candidates proposed for nomination or election

Etymology: ME sclate < OFr esclate, fem. of esclat: see slat

transitive verb slated slat′ed, slating slat′·ing

1. to cover with slate
2. ☆ to put on a list or designate, as for candidacy, appointment, engagement, etc.; choose or schedule

transitive verb slated slat′ed, slating slat′·ing

1. to punish severely, as by thrashing
2. to scold or criticize harshly

Etymology: prob. < ON sleita, strife (akin to OE slætan, to bait, torment)