slack

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C1 — Advanced

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun dust consisting of a mixture of small coal fragments and coal dust and dirt that sifts out when coal is passed over a sieve
  2. noun a noticeable deterioration in performance or quality
  3. noun a stretch of water without current or movement

Etymology

From Middle English slak, from Old English slæc (“slack”), from Proto-Germanic *slakaz. For sense of coal dust, compare slag.

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