smooth definition

1. Having an even surface, or a surface so even that no roughness or points can be perceived by the touch; not rough; as, smooth glass; smooth porcelain. "The outlines must be smooth, imperceptible to the touch, and even, without eminence or cavities." (Dryden)

2. Evenly spread or arranged; sleek; as, smooth hair.

3. Gently flowing; moving equably; not ruffled or obstructed; as, a smooth stream.

4. Flowing or uttered without check, obstruction, or hesitation; not harsh; voluble; even; fluent. "The only smooth poet of those times." (Milton) "Waller was smooth; but Dryden taught to join The varying verse, the full-resounding line." (Pope) "When sage Minerva rose, From her sweet lips smooth elocution flows." (Gay)

5. Bland; mild; smoothing; fattering. "This smooth discourse and mild behavior oft Conceal a traitor." (Addison)

6. <mechanics> Causing no resistance to a body sliding along its surface; frictionless.

Smooth is often used in the formation of selfexplaining compounds; as, smooth-bodied, smooth-browed, smooth-combed, smooth-faced, smooth-finished, smooth-gliding, smooth-grained, smooth-leaved, smooth-sliding, smooth-speaking, smooth-woven, and the like.

Synonyms: Even, plain, level, flat, polished, glossy, sleek, soft, bland, mild, soothing, voluble, flattering, adulatory, deceptive.

Origin: OE. Smothe, smethe, AS. Smethe, smoe<su:edt/e, where e, oe, come from an older o; cf. LG. Smode, smoe, smodig; of uncertain origin.