Slow  —adj. 1 a taking a relatively long time to do a thing (also foll. By of: slow of speech). B acting, moving, or done without speed, not quick. 2 not conducive to speed (slow route). 3 (of a clock etc.) Showing a time earlier than is correct. 4 (of a person) not understanding or learning readily. 5 dull, tedious. 6 slack, sluggish (business is slow). 7 (of a fire or oven) giving little heat. 8 photog. (of a film) needing long exposure. 9 reluctant; not hasty (slow to anger). —adv. Slowly (also in comb.: slow-moving traffic). —v. (usu. Foll. By down, up) 1 reduce one's speed or the speed of (a vehicle etc.). 2 reduce one's pace of life.  slowish adj. Slowly adv. Slowness n. [old english]