I. ˈslag, -aa(ə)-, -ai- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle Low German slagge; probably akin to Middle High German slage hammer, tool for striking, Old English slēan to strike; probably from the dross resulting from hammering or forging — more at slay
1.
a. : the dross of a metal ; specifically : a product of smelting containing mostly as silicates the substances not sought to be produced as matte or metal and having a lower specific gravity than the latter — called also cinder
b. : a similar substance that floats on molten impure steel during refining, protects the metal from oxidation, and removes unwanted substances chemically
2. : scoriaceous lava from a volcano
3. : a fused or partly fused and usually glassy mass resulting from contact of bases with silica or silicates at high temperatures and often deliberately developed in enameling and glazing
4. : worthless matter : debris
slag accumulations in the bottom of a wash tank
nothing like a brisk walk to drag the slag from your head
II. transitive verb
( slagged ; slagged ; slagging ; slags )
: to free from or convert into slag
III. noun
Usage: chiefly Brit, slang
: a lewd or promiscuous woman : tramp