n.
Pronunciation: ' slü, ' slau ̇ ; in the US ( exc NewEng ) ' slü is usual for sense 1 with those to whom the sense is familiar; Brit usu ' slau ̇ for both senses
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English sloughe, slo, from Old English sl ō h; akin to Middle High German slouche ditch
Date: before 12th century
1 a : a place of deep mud or mire b also slew or slue \ ' slü \ (1) : SWAMP (2) : an inlet on a river also : BACKWATER (3) : a creek in a marsh or tide flat
2 : a state of moral degradation or spiritual dejection
– sloughy \ - ē \ adjective