sleek

Etymology

A late variant of slick; cognate to German schleichen (Old High German slihhan) and Dutch slijk (“mud, slime”). Compare slink.

adj

1. Having an even, smooth surface; smooth
   sleek hair
   So sleek her skin, so faultless was her make. 1717, John DrydenSamuel Garthet al., “Book 1”, in Metamorphoses, translation of Metamorphoses by Ovid, line 837
2. Glossy.
3. Not rough or harsh.
   Those rugged names to our like mouths grow sleek. 1673, John Milton, “Sonnet 11”, in Poems, line 10
4. Slim and streamlined; not plump, thick, or stocky.
5. (of stock animals) Healthy, well-fed and well-groomed; in good condition.

adv

1. (dated) With ease and dexterity.

verb

1. To make smooth or glossy; to polish or cause to be attractive.

noun

1. That which makes smooth; varnish.