mid-14c., from Old French esclate, fem. of esclat "split piece, splinter" (Modern French éclat; see slat), so called because the rock splits easily into thin plates. As an adjective, 1510s. As a color, first recorded 1813. Sense of "a writing tablet" (made of slate), first recorded late 14c., led to that of "list of preliminary candidates prepared by party managers," first recorded 1842, from notion of being easily altered or erased. Clean slate (1856) is an image from customer accounts chalked up in a tavern.
slate (v.)
1520s, "to cover with slates" (earlier sclatten, late 15c.), from slate (n.). Meaning "propose, schedule" is from 1883; earlier "to nominate" (1804); the notion is of writing on a slate board. Related: Slated; slating.
实用例句
1. Why not wipe the slate clean and start all over again?
为什么不洗心革面、从头来过呢？
来自柯林斯例句
2. The sea was the colour of slate.
大海的颜色像石板。
来自《权威词典》
3. The nominating committee laid its slate before the board.
提名委员会把候选人名单提交全体委员会讨论.
来自《简明英汉词典》
4. Only a skilled workman can splIt'slate into layers.
只有熟练的工匠才能把板岩劈成石片.
来自《简明英汉词典》
5. The leadership want to present a single slate of candidates to be approved in an open vote.
