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slow

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The definition of slow is someone or something that is not quick or takes a long time.

(adjective)

An example of slow is a snail.
An example of slow is driving ten miles per hour.

See slow in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

not quick or clever in understanding; dull; obtuse
1. taking a longer time than is expected or usual to act, move, go, happen, etc.
2. not hasty, quick, ready, or prompt: a slow retort, slow to anger
making relatively little progress for the time spent; marked by low speed, rate of rhythm, etc.; not fast or rapid
holding back fast progress, development, etc.; making speed or progress difficult: a slow growing season, a slow track
showing a time that is behind the correct time: said of a timepiece
1. passing slowly or tediously: a slow afternoon
2. not lively or interesting; dull or boring: a slow town
characterized by little activity; slack: slow trading
lacking in energy; sluggish
behind the times; out of fashion
burning so as to give off a low or moderate heat: a slow fire
gradual, as growth
Photog.
1. having less sensitivity to light than other film, etc.: such film may require a longer exposure period
2. allowing less light to enter than other lenses

Origin: ME slowe < OE slaw, akin to Du sleeuw, ON slær, dull < ?

transitive verb

to make slow or slower
to retard; delay

intransitive verb

to go or become slow or slower: often with up or down

adverb

in a slow manner or at a slow speed; slowly

Related Forms:

slowly adverb
slowness noun

See slow in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective slow·er, slow·est

a. Not moving or able to move quickly; proceeding at a low speed: a slow train; slow walkers.
b. Marked by a retarded tempo: a slow waltz.
a. Taking or requiring a long time: the slow job of making bread.
b. Taking more time than is usual: a slow worker; slow progress in the peace negotiations.
Allowing movement or action only at a low speed: a slow track; a slow infield.
Registering a time or rate behind or below the correct one: a slow clock.
Lacking in promptness or willingness; not precipitate: They were slow to accept our invitation.
Characterized by a low volume of sales or transactions: Business was slow today.
Lacking liveliness or interest; boring: a slow party.
Not having or exhibiting intellectual or mental quickness: a slow learner.
Only moderately warm; low: a slow oven.

adverb slower, slowest

So as to fall behind the correct time or rate: The watch runs slow.
At a low speed: Go slow!

verb slowed, slow·ing, slows

verb, transitive

To make slow or slower.
To delay; retard.

verb, intransitive

To become slow or slower.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English

Origin: , from Old English slāw

Related Forms:

slowˈly adverb

slowˈness noun

Usage Note: Slow may sometimes be used instead of slowly when it comes after the verb: We drove the car slow. In formal writing slowly is generally preferred. Slow is often used in speech and informal writing, especially when brevity and forcefulness are sought: Drive slow! Slow is also the established idiomatic form with certain senses of common verbs: The watch runs slow. Take it slow.

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