slime

[ slahym ]

noun

1. thin, glutinous mud.
2. any ropy or viscous liquid matter, especially of a foul kind.
3. a viscous secretion of animal or vegetable origin.
4. Also called slime·ball [slahym, -bawl]. Slang. a repulsive or despicable person.

verb (used with object)

, slimed, slim·ing.

1. to cover or smear with or as if with slime.
2. to remove slime from, as fish for canning.

slime

/ slaɪm /

noun

1. soft thin runny mud or filth
2. any moist viscous fluid, esp when noxious or unpleasant
3. a mucous substance produced by various organisms, such as fish, slugs, and fungi

verb

1. to cover with slime
2. to remove slime from (fish) before canning

slime

/ slīm /

1. A slippery or sticky mucous substance secreted by certain animals, such as slugs or snails.

Word History and Origins

Origin of slime¹

before 1000; Middle English slyme, Old English slīm; cognate with Dutch slijm, German Schleim, Old Norse slīm

Word History and Origins

Origin of slime¹

Old English slīm; related to Old Norse slīm, Old High German slīmen to smooth, Russian slimák snail, Latin līmax snail

Example Sentences

Rem uses a heavier-weight linen to keep berries firm and mushrooms from turning to slime.

From Los Angeles Times

The 33-year-old rapper, whose real name is Jeffery Lamar Williams, was arrested in May 2022 on racketeering and other charges stemming from his alleged leadership role within the Young Slime Life, or YSL, street gang.

From BBC

His photo “Life Under Dead Wood” featured fruiting slime mould alongside a tiny, energetic springtail.

From BBC

These miniature springtails, under two millimetres long, are found alongside slime moulds worldwide, munching on microorganisms and playing a key role in soil health.

From BBC

An 11-year-old girl applied her ‘Law and Order’ smarts and some blue slime to evade and help ID a would-be kidnapper.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• goo
• gunk
• mucus
• mud
• sludge