slith ‧ er /ˈslɪðə $ -ər/ BrE AmE verb [intransitive always + adverb/preposition]
[ Language: Old English ; Origin: slidrian , from slidan ; ⇨ ↑ slide 1 ]
to slide somewhere over a surface, twisting or moving from side to side:
A snake slithered across the grass.
He slithered down the muddy bank.
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THESAURUS
▪ slide to move smoothly over a surface while continuing to touch it:
The glass slid off the tray and crashed to the floor.
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The kids were having fun sliding around on the polished floor.
▪ slip to slide a short distance accidentally, and fall or lose your balance slightly:
Be careful you don’t slip on the ice.
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She slipped and broke her ankle.
▪ skid to slide sideways or forwards in a way that is difficult to control - used especially about a moving vehicle:
He slammed on the brakes and the car skidded to a halt.
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Go slowly in wet or icy weather, because it’s easy to skid.
▪ glide to move smoothly and quietly across water or a smooth surface, especially in a graceful way:
A swan was gliding across the lake.
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The ship glided into port.
▪ slither to slide in an awkward way, for example on a rough or muddy surface. Also used to describe the movement of a snake as it goes from side to side along the ground:
Tom slithered down the bank into the water.
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The snake slithered away and disappeared under a rock.