Definition
a thick, wet, unpleasant substance that covers something
Origin and usage
The word slime likely comes from the Old English word ‘slim’ which was probably related to the Old English ‘lim’ meaning ‘sticky substance’. Slime is related to words in many other languages, including the Dutch word ‘slijm’ meaning ‘phlegm’, the German ‘Schleim’ (‘slime’), and the Latin ‘limus’ meaning ‘mud or mire’.
Examples
Slime most commonly refers to a disgusting, unpleasant ooze that is thick and moist. In recent years, children all over the world have embraced a growing trend related to the sticky substance — making their own slime.
Though there are many variations, play slime can be made with a few basic ingredients and a simple recipe:
• Two 120ml bottles of liquid PVA glue
• Food colouring or glitter (optional)
• 5ml bicarbonate of soda
• 45ml saline solution (used for contact lenses)
To make slime, simply mix the ingredients in order in a large bowl. Continue stirring, then knead the mixture until it becomes thick and smooth. Slime can be stored for several weeks in an airtight container kept at room temperature.
Once you have the basic recipe perfected, you can experiment with your own slime variations by mixing colours and adding things like plastic gems, sequins or metallic confetti. Making slime is a great way to get kids busy in the kitchen, helping them practise important skills like measuring. Playing with slime is a fun, hands-on activity that can keep children occupied for hours!
Quotations
“The higher Nilus swells, The more it promises: as it ebbs, the seedsman Upon the slime and ooze scatters his grain, And shortly comes to harvest.”
(William Shakespeare, Antony and Cleopatra)
View the full definition in the Macmillan Dictionary.
