1. To pronounce indistinctly.
2. To talk about disparagingly or insultingly.
3. To pass over lightly or carelessly; treat without due consideration.
4. Music.
   1. To glide over (a series of notes) smoothly without a break.
   2. To mark with a slur.
5. Printing. To blur or smear.

1. A disparaging remark; an aspersion.
2. A slurred utterance or sound.
3. Music.
   1. A curved line connecting notes on a score to indicate that they are to be played or sung legato.
   2. A passage played or sung in this manner.
4. Printing. A smeared or blurred impression.

[Probably from Middle English sloor, mud.]

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.