v. & n.
--v.tr.
1. daub or mark with a greasy or sticky substance or with something that stains.
2 blot; smudge; obscure the outline of (writing, artwork, etc.).
3 defame the character of; slander; attempt to or succeed in discrediting (a person or his name) publicly.
--n.
1. the act or an instance of smearing.
2 Med. a material smeared on a microscopic slide etc. for examination. b a specimen of this.
Phrases and idioms:
smear test cervical smear.
Derivatives:
smearer n. smeary adj.
Etymology: OE smierwan f. Gmc