Slash Meaning, Examples, and Usage Guide (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：forward slash (slash)

slash 🔊

/slæʃ/

The punctuation mark '/' that looks like a line leaning to the right. It is used in web addresses, dates, or to mean 'or'.

Slash key on keyboard with web address example

forward slash 🔊

➕

/ˈfɔːrwərd slæʃ/

The character '/' used to separate elements in file paths, web addresses, and as a shorthand for 'or'.

📁 Category：Technological Inventions 🔖 Level：Beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Middle English 'slaschen', possibly of Old French origin, meaning to strike or cut.

💡 Mnemonic

Think of a sharp knife making a diagonal line — that's a slash.

📖 Example

Don't forget to add the slash between 'www' and the website name when typing the address. 🔊 Don't forget to add the slash between 'www' and the website name when typing the address.

🔗 Collocations

forward slash – the '/' character on a keyboard

slash key – the key that types a slash

slash symbol – the graphic representation of a slash

🔄 Synonyms

solidus (n.) – another term for the slash character, especially in historical typography

virgule (n.) – a formal name for the slash mark, used in dates and fractions

oblique (n.) – a diagonal line, often used interchangeably with slash in typography

🚫 Antonyms

backslash (n.) – the reverse diagonal character, used in some computer file paths

📖 Cultural Story

The word 'slash' comes from Middle English 'slaschen' meaning to cut. Its use as a punctuation mark began in the 19th century for fractions or alternatives, and became widespread in computing for file paths.

Meaning 2：deep cut (slash)

slash 🔊

/slæʃ/

A long, deep cut or mark made by something sharp, like a knife or a blade, on a surface or skin.

Deep slash mark on weathered wooden table

deep cut 🔊

➕

/diːp kʌt/

A long, narrow mark or wound made by cutting with a sharp instrument.

📁 Category：Objects & Materials 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

The old wooden table had a deep slash across its surface, telling stories of many years of use. 🔊 The old wooden table had a deep slash across its surface, telling stories of many years of use.

🔗 Collocations

deep slash – a cut that goes far into the surface

knife slash – a cut made by a knife

slash wound – an injury caused by a cutting motion

🔄 Synonyms

cut (n.) – an opening or wound made by a sharp edge

gash (n.) – a long, deep cut or wound

incision (n.) – a surgical cut made in skin or flesh