slope
noun
- 1
An area of ground that tends evenly upward or downward.
“I had to climb a small slope to get to the site.”
- 2
The degree to which a surface tends upward or downward.
“The road has a very sharp downward slope at that point.”
- 3
The ratio of the vertical and horizontal distances between two points on a line; zero if the line is horizontal, undefined if it is vertical.
“The slope of this line is 0.5”
- 4
The slope of the line tangent to a curve at a given point.
“The slope of a parabola increases linearly with x.”
- 5
The angle a roof surface makes with the horizontal, expressed as a ratio of the units of vertical rise to the units of horizontal length (sometimes referred to as run).
“The slope of an asphalt shingle roof system should be 4:12 or greater.”
- 6
A person of Chinese or other East Asian descent.
verb
- 1
To tend steadily upward or downward.
“The road slopes sharply down at that point.”
- 2
To form with a slope; to give an oblique or slanting direction to; to incline or slant.
“to slope the ground in a garden; to slope a piece of cloth in cutting a garment”
- 3
(usually followed by a preposition) To try to move surreptitiously.
“I sloped in through the back door, hoping my boss wouldn't see me.”
- 4
To hold a rifle at a slope with forearm perpendicular to the body in front holding the butt, the rifle resting on the shoulder.
“The order was given to "slope arms".”
adjective
- 1
Sloping.
adverb
- 1
Slopingly
Translate “slope” to another language
Click any language to open the translator with this word already filled in.