sleek

comparative sleeker · superlative sleekest

1. Having an even, smooth surface; smooth

   sleek hair

   1 more example

   So sleek her skin, so faultless was her make.

   1717, John Dryden, Samuel Garth, et al., “Book 1”, in Metamorphoses, translation of Metamorphoses by Ovid, line 837

   Synonyms: frictionless, silky, downy, even, flat, frictionless, lanate, level

2. Glossy.

   Synonyms: glacé, sheeny, glacé, glassy, glossy, lacquerlike, satiny, sheeny

3. Not rough or harsh.

   Those rugged names to our like mouths grow sleek.

   1673, John Milton, “Sonnet 11”, in Poems, line 10

   Synonyms: civilized, classy, elegant, graceful, refined

4. Slim and streamlined; not plump, thick, or stocky.

   But if it were like a rabbit that Rosa went, she came back like a weasel or some such sleek and lissom creature.

   1961, Xavier Herbert, Soldiers' Women, Netley, SA: Fontana Books, published 1978, page 99

   Synonyms: lithe, svelte, gaunt, gracile, lank, lean, leansome, lithe

5. Healthy, well-fed and well-groomed; in good condition.
6. datedDated form of slick (“convincing but untrustworthy”).

   'Are these the Carrara marbles?' the lady queried. 'Yes, madam,' responded the sleek salesman.

   1892, The Critic, volume 20, page 229

1. colloquialdatednot comparableWith ease and dexterity.

   Synonyms: clean, slick

present singular third person sleeks · participle present sleeking · participle past sleeked · past sleeked

1. transitiveTo make smooth or glossy; to polish.

   The sloping brush sleeks the surface.

   1895, The New Technical Educator, page 258

2. datedtransitiveTo calm or soothe.
3. datedintransitiveTo glide.

1. uncountableThat which makes smooth; varnish.