I. ˈsmüth adjective
Etymology: Middle English smothe, from Old English smōth; akin to Old Saxon smōthi smooth
Date: before 12th century
1.
a.
(1) : having a continuous even surface
(2) of a curve : being the representation of a function with a continuous first derivative
(3) : having or being a short even coat of hair
a smooth collie
— compare rough , wirehaired
b. : being without hair
c. : glabrous
a smooth leaf
d. : causing no resistance to sliding
2. : free from difficulties or impediments
the smooth course of his life
3. : even and uninterrupted in flow or flight
4. : excessively and often artfully suave : ingratiating
a smooth operator
5.
a. : serene , equable
a smooth disposition
b. : amiable , courteous
6.
a. : not sharp or harsh
a smooth sherry
b. : free from lumps
Synonyms: see level , easy , suave
• smooth adverb
• smooth·ly adverb
• smooth·ness noun
II. verb
( smoothed ; smooth·ing ; smooths also smoothes )
Date: 15th century
transitive verb
1. : to make smooth
2.
a. : to free from what is harsh or disagreeable : polish
smooth ed out his style
b. : soothe
3. : to minimize (as a fault) especially in order to allay anger or ill will
his main job is to smooth over the friction that so often arises — Brian Crozier
4. : to free from obstruction or difficulty
conciliation smooth ed the way to an agreement
5.
a. : to press flat
smooth ed down the folds of her dress
b. : to remove expression from (one's face) : compose
6. : to cause to lie evenly and in order : preen
a bird smooth ing its feathers
7. : to free (as a graph or data) from irregularities
intransitive verb
: to become smooth
• smooth·er noun
III. noun
Date: 15th century
1. : a smooth part
2. : the act of smoothing
3. : a smoothing implement