adj.
Pronunciation: ' sl ō
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English sl ā w; akin to Old High German sl ē o dull
Date: before 12th century
1 a : mentally dull : STUPID <a slow student> b : naturally inert or sluggish
2 a : lacking in readiness, promptness, or willingness b : not hasty or precipitate <was slow to anger>
3 a : moving, flowing, or proceeding without speed or at less than usual speed <traffic was slow > b : exhibiting or marked by low speed <he moved with slow deliberation> c : not acute <a slow disease> d : LOW , GENTLE < slow fire>
4 : requiring a long time : GRADUAL <a slow recovery>
5 : having qualities that hinder rapid progress or action <a slow track>
6 a : registering behind or below what is correct <the clock is slow > b : less than the time indicated by another method of reckoning c : that is behind the time at a specified time or place
7 a : lacking in life, animation, or gaiety : BORING <the first chapter is a bit slow > b : marked by reduced activity <business was slow > <a slow news week>
– slow · ish \ ' sl ō -ish \ adjective
– slow · ness noun