slow

slow [slō]

adj.

[ME slowe < OE slaw, akin to Du sleeuw, ON slær, dull < ?]

1. not quick or clever in understanding; dull; obtuse

2.

a) taking a longer time than is expected or usual to act, move, go, happen, etc.

b) not hasty, quick, ready, or prompt [a slow retort, slow to anger]

3. making relatively little progress for the time spent; marked by low speed, rate of rhythm, etc.; not fast or rapid

4. holding back fast progress, development, etc.; making speed or progress difficult [a slow growing season, a slow track]

5. showing a time that is behind the correct time: said of a timepiece

6.

a) passing slowly or tediously [a slow afternoon]

b) not lively or interesting; dull or boring [a slow town]

7. characterized by little activity; slack [slow trading]

8. lacking in energy; sluggish

9. behind the times; out of fashion

10. burning so as to give off a low or moderate heat [a slow fire]

11. gradual, as growth

12. Photog.

a) having less sensitivity to light than other film, etc.: such film may require a longer exposure period

b) allowing less light to enter than other lenses

vt.

1. to make slow or slower

2. to retard; delay: Often with up or down

vi.

to go or become slow or slower: often with up or down

adv.

in a slow manner or at a slow speed; slowly

SYN.- STUPID

slowly

adv.

slowness

n.