Smooth (smo͞ot͡h), a. [Compar.Smoother (–ẽr); superl.Smoothest.] [OE. smothe, smethe, AS. smēðe, smœðe, where ē, œ, come from an older ō; cf. LG. smöde, smöe, smödig; of uncertain origin.] 1. Having an even surface, or a surface so even that no roughness or points can be perceived by the touch; not rough; as, smooth glass; smooth porcelain. Chaucer.
The outlines must be smooth, imperceptible to the touch, and even, without eminence or cavities. Dryden.
2. Evenly spread or arranged; sleek; as, smooth hair.
3. Gently flowing; moving equably; not ruffled or obstructed; as, a smooth stream.
4. Flowing or uttered without check, obstruction, or hesitation; not harsh; voluble; even; fluent.
The only smooth poet of those times. Milton.
Waller was smooth; but Dryden taught to join
The varying verse, the full-resounding line. Pope.
When sage Minerva rose,
From her sweet lips smooth elocution flows. Gay.
5. Bland; mild; smoothing; fattering.
This smooth discourse and mild behavior oft
Conceal a traitor. Addison.
6. (Mech. & Physics) Causing no resistance to a body sliding along its surface; frictionless.
☞ Smooth is often used in the formation of selfexplaining compounds; as, smooth-bodied, smooth-browed, smooth-combed, smooth-faced, smooth-finished, smooth-gliding, smooth-grained, smooth-leaved, smooth-sliding, smooth-speaking, smooth-woven, and the like.
Syn. — Even; plain; level; flat; polished; glossy; sleek; soft; bland; mild; soothing; voluble; flattering; adulatory; deceptive.