slate

1. A fine-grained homogeneous sedimentary rock composed of clay or volcanic ash which has been metamorphosed so that it cleaves easily into thin layers.
2. The bluish-grey colour of most slate.
3. A chalkboard, sheet of slate for writing on with chalk or with a thin rod of slate (a slate pencil) formerly commonly used by both students and teachers in schools
4. A roofing-tile made of slate.
5. A record of money owed.

   Put it on my slate – I’ll pay you next week.

6. A list of affiliated candidates for an election.

   Roy Disney led the alternative slate of directors for the stockholder vote.

7. An artificial material resembling slate and used for the same purposes.
8. A thin plate of any material; a flake.

adjective

Having the bluish-grey/gray colour of slate.

1. To cover with slate.

   The old church ledgers show that the roof was slated in 1775.

2. To criticise harshly.

   The play was slated by the critics.

3. To schedule.

   The election was slated for November 2nd.

4. To anticipate or strongly expect.

   The next version of our software is slated to be the best release ever.

5. To set a dog upon (a person).