n.
     - a fine-grained grey, green, or bluish-purple metamorphic rock easily split into smooth, flat plates. ▸a flat plate of slate used as roofing material. 
- a plate of slate formerly used in schools for writing on.
- a bluish-grey colour.
- a list of candidates for election to a post or office. ▸ Brit. a record of a person's debt or credit: ![]()  put it on the slate. 
▸chiefly N. Amer. a range of something on offer. 
- a board showing the identifying details of a take of a film, held in front of the camera at the beginning and end of the take.
v.
   - cover (a roof) with slates.
- Brit. informal criticize severely.
- chiefly N. Amer. schedule; plan. ▸nominate as a candidate for an office or post. 
Derivative
  
  Etymology
  ME sclate, sklate, shortening of OFr. esclate, fem. synonymous with esclat (see slat).