ˈslɪpərɪ adj. 1
difficult to hold firmly
because of smoothness, wetness, sliminess, or
elusive motion. 2 (of a surface) difficult to
stand on, causing slips by
its smoothness or muddiness. 3
unreliable,
unscrupulous,
shifty. 4 (of a subject) requiring
tactful handling. øslippery
elm 1
the N.
American red elm, Ulmus fulva. 2 the
medicinal inner bark of
this. slippery
slope a
course leading to
disaster. øøslipperily adv. slipperiness n. [prob. coined by Coverdale (1535)
after Luther's schlipfferig, MHG slipferig f. slipfern, slipfen f. Gmc:
partly f.
slipper slippery (now dial.) f. OE slipor f. Gmc]