adj., v., n., & adv.
adj. 1 having a relatively even and regular surface; free from perceptible projections, lumps, indentations, and roughness. 2 not wrinkled, pitted, scored, or hairy (smooth skin). 3 that can be traversed without check. 4 (of liquids) of even consistency; without lumps (mix to a smooth paste). 5 (of the sea etc.) without waves or undulations. 6 (of a journey, passage, progress, etc.) untroubled by difficulties or adverse conditions. 7 having an easy flow or correct rhythm (smooth breathing; a smooth metre). 8 a not harsh in sound or taste. b (of wine etc.) not astringent. 9 (of a person, his or her manner, etc.) suave, conciliatory, flattering, unruffled, or polite (a smooth talker; he's very smooth). 10 (of movement etc.) not suddenly varying; not jerky.
v. 1 tr. & intr. (often foll. by out, down) make or become smooth. 2 (often foll. by out, down, over, away) a tr. reduce or get rid of (differences, faults, difficulties, etc.) in fact or appearance. b intr. (of difficulties etc.) diminish, become less obtrusive (it will all smooth over). 3 tr. modify (a graph, curve, etc.) so as to lessen irregularities. 4 tr. free from impediments or discomfort (smooth the way; smooth the declining years).
n. 1 a smoothing touch or stroke (gave his hair a smooth). 2 the easy part of life (take the rough with the smooth).
adv. smoothly (the course of true love never did run smooth). in smooth water having passed obstacles or difficulties. smooth-bore a gun with an unrifled barrel. smooth-faced hypocritically friendly. smoothing-iron hist. a flat-iron. smoothing-plane a small plane for finishing the planing of wood. smooth muscle a muscle without striations, usu. occurring in hollow organs and performing involuntary functions. smooth talk colloq. bland specious language. smooth-talk v.tr. address or persuade with this. smooth-tongued insincerely flattering. smoothable adj. smoother n. smoothish adj. smoothly adv. smoothness n.
[ OE smoth ]