Slicknesses

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. The quality or state of being smooth and slippery
2. The characteristics of being expertly executed or polished in appearance or performance
3. A plural form indicating multiple instances of glossy or streamlined surfaces or behaviors

Etymology: "Slicknesses" is simply the plural of "slickness", so it is the form of that noun and its history is the history of "slickness". "Slick" is an old English adjective meaning smooth or glossy, and it was later used for smooth-talking or polished in manner. The suffix "-ness", from Old English "-nes", turns an adjective into a noun for a quality or state, so "slickness" means the quality of being slick. Its plural "slicknesses" is used when referring to several separate instances or kinds of that quality, which is how it appears in writing about performances or finishes.

Synonyms: smoothness, glossiness, sleekness, polish, gloss

Antonyms: roughness, coarseness, unevenness, abrasiveness