Pronunciation: ' m ə d
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English mudde, probably from Middle Low German
Date: 14th century
1 : a slimy sticky mixture of solid material with a liquid and especially water especially : soft wet earth
2 : abusive and malicious remarks or charges <political campaigners slinging mud at each other>
3 : ANATHEMA 1B ― usually used in the phrase one's name is mud
4 : a mixture of water, clay, and chemicals used in oil-well drilling and having various functions (as lubrication and cooling of the bit and flushing of rock particles to the surface)