I. ˈslik verb
Etymology: Middle English sliken, from Old English * slician ; akin to Old High German slīhhan to glide
Date: 14th century
transitive verb
: to make sleek or smooth
intransitive verb
: spruce — usually used with up
II. adjective
Etymology: Middle English slyke; akin to Old English * slician
Date: 14th century
1.
a. : having a smooth surface : slippery
slick wet leaves
b. : having surface plausibility or appeal : glib , glossy
slick advertising
c. : based on stereotype : trite
slick stories soon forgotten
2. archaic : sleek 1
3.
a. : characterized by subtlety or nimble wit : clever ; especially : wily
a reputation as a slick operator
b. : deft , skillful
a slick ballplayer
4. : extremely good : first-rate
Synonyms: see sleek , sly
• slick adverb
• slick·ly adverb
• slick·ness noun
III. noun
Date: 1849
1.
a. : something that is smooth or slippery ; especially : a smooth patch of water covered with a film of oil
b. : a film of oil
2. : an implement for producing a smooth or slick surface
3. : a shrewd untrustworthy person
4. : a popular magazine printed on coated stock and intended to appeal to sophisticated readers
5. : an automobile tire made without a tread for maximum traction (as in drag racing)
6. slang : a military helicopter without armaments that is used to transport troops or light cargo