/ smuːð; NAmE / adjective , verb
■ adjective
( smooth·er , smooth·est )
FLAT / EVEN
1.
completely flat and even, without any lumps, holes or rough areas :
a lotion to make your skin feel soft and smooth
The water was as smooth as glass.
a paint that gives a smooth, silky finish
Over the years, the stone steps had worn smooth.
OPP rough
WITHOUT LUMPS
2.
( of a liquid mixture ) without any lumps :
Mix the flour with the milk to form a smooth paste.
WITHOUT PROBLEMS
3.
happening or continuing without any problems :
They are introducing new measures to ensure the smooth running of the business.
They could not ensure a smooth transfer of political power.
MOVEMENT
4.
even and regular, without sudden stops and starts :
The car's improved suspension gives you a smoother ride.
The plane made a smooth landing.
She swung herself over the gate in one smooth movement.
MAN
5.
(often disapproving ) ( of people, especially men, and their behaviour ) very polite and pleasant, but in a way that is often not very sincere
SYN smarmy :
I don't like him. He's far too smooth for me.
He's something of a smooth operator .
DRINK / TASTE
6.
pleasant and not bitter :
This coffee has a smooth, rich taste.
VOICE / MUSIC
7.
nice to hear, and without any rough or unpleasant sounds
► smooth·ness noun [ U ]:
the smoothness of her skin
They admired the smoothness and efficiency with which the business was run.
•
IDIOMS
see rough noun
■ verb
1.
~ sth (back / down / out) to make sth smooth :
[ vn ]
He smoothed his hair back.
She was smoothing out the creases in her skirt.
[ vn - adj ]
He took the letter and smoothed it flat on the table.
2.
~ sth on / into / over sth to put a layer of a soft substance over a surface :
Smooth the icing over the top of the cake.
•
IDIOMS
- smooth the path / way
- smooth (sb's) ruffled feathers
•
PHRASAL VERBS
- smooth sth away / out
- smooth sth over
••
WORD ORIGIN
Old English smōth , probably of Germanic origin, though no cognates are known. The verb dates from Middle English .