adj., v., n., & adv.
--adj.
1. having a relatively even and regular surface; free from perceptible projections, lumps, indentations, and roughness.
2 not wrinkled, pitted, scored, or hairy (smooth skin).
3 that can be traversed without check.
4 (of liquids) of even consistency; without lumps (mix to a smooth paste).
5 (of the sea etc.) without waves or undulations.
6 (of a journey, passage, progress, etc.) untroubled by difficulties or adverse conditions.
7 having an easy flow or correct rhythm (smooth breathing; a smooth metre).
8 a not harsh in sound or taste. b (of wine etc.) not astringent.
9 (of a person, his or her manner, etc.) suave, conciliatory, flattering, unruffled, or polite (a smooth talker; he's very smooth).
10 (of movement etc.) not suddenly varying; not jerky.
--v.
1. tr. & intr. (often foll. by out, down) make or become smooth.
2 (often foll. by out, down, over, away) a tr. reduce or get rid of (differences, faults, difficulties, etc.) in fact or appearance. b intr. (of difficulties etc.) diminish, become less obtrusive (it will all smooth over).
3 tr. modify (a graph, curve, etc.) so as to lessen irregularities.
4 tr. free from impediments or discomfort (smooth the way; smooth the declining years).
--n.
1. a smoothing touch or stroke (gave his hair a smooth).
2 the easy part of life (take the rough with the smooth).
--adv. smoothly (the course of true love never did run smooth).
Phrases and idioms:
in smooth water having passed obstacles or difficulties. smooth-bore a gun with an unrifled barrel. smooth-faced hypocritically friendly. smoothing-iron hist. a flat-iron. smoothing-plane a small plane for finishing the planing of wood. smooth muscle a muscle without striations, usu. occurring in hollow organs and performing involuntary functions. smooth talk colloq. bland specious language. smooth-talk v.tr. address or persuade with this. smooth-tongued insincerely flattering.
Derivatives:
smoothable adj. smoother n. smoothish adj. smoothly adv. smoothness n.
Etymology: OE smoth