slur meaning and definition

SLUR noun

Definition of slur (noun)

1. (music) a curved line spanning notes that are to be played legato
2. a disparaging remark
   • "in the 19th century any reference to female sexuality was considered a vile aspersion"; "it is difficult for a woman to understand a man's sensitivity to any slur on his virility"
   • synonyms: aspersion
3. a blemish made by dirt
   • "he had a smudge on his cheek"
   • synonyms: blot, daub, smear, smirch, smudge, spot

SLUR verb

Definition of slur (verb)

1. play smoothly or legato
   • "the pianist slurred the most beautiful passage in the sonata"
2. speak disparagingly of; e.g., make a racial slur
   • "your comments are slurring your co-workers"
3. utter indistinctly
4. become vague or indistinct
   • "The distinction between the two theories blurred"
   • synonyms: blur, dim
   • antonym: focalise