Slate: meaning, definitions and examples

Slate is often used in construction and roofing because it is a durable and attractive material. It is also used in arts and crafts, such as making chalkboards or flooring.

• The roof was covered with slate tiles to give it a classic look.
• The artist used slate to create a unique, textured surface for her paintings.

Stone is a general term for any hard, solid, nonmetallic mineral matter and is commonly used in building materials, landscaping, and art. It can refer to a small pebble or a large rock.

• The garden path was lined with decorative stones.
• Ancient monuments were often carved from massive stones.

Shale is a type of sedimentary rock that is used primarily in the oil and gas industry because it can contain fossil fuels. It is also sometimes used to make bricks and cement.

• Shale formations can yield significant amounts of natural gas.
• The construction company used shale to produce high-quality cement.

A slab typically refers to a large, thick, flat piece of stone, concrete, or wood. This term is commonly used in construction and culinary contexts.

• The kitchen countertop was made from a single slab of marble.
• The workers poured a concrete slab for the new driveway.

A thin, flat piece of rock used historically for writing with a piece of chalk. Commonly used in older times for taking notes or drawing.

• The student wrote the math problems on his slate
• Teachers used to give students a small slate to practice their handwriting

A smooth black or green board where information is written with chalk, typically used in classrooms. Still commonly found in educational settings.

• The teacher wrote the day's lesson on the chalkboard
• She drew a diagram on the chalkboard to explain the science concept

An electronic device with a touchscreen interface used for reading, writing, and other digital activities. Common in modern educational and professional settings.

• She uses her tablet to take notes in class
• Children play educational games on their tablets

A general term for any board used for writing, which can include whiteboards, blackboards, or any other writable surface. The term can be used in various settings like offices, classrooms, or homes.

• Please write your answers on the writing board
• The meeting room has a large writing board for brainstorming sessions