A plum tree typical of the North Eastern United States which has dark purple fruit with yellow flesh: "The sloe of the blackthorn stained her fingers when she was picking them."

1. Lacking in readiness, dull: "We were slow to start this morning because of the flat tire."

"You will have to excuse me, but I am a bit slow so early in the morning."

2. Boring, lacking in activity and gaiety: "The pace of life in the country is slow when compared to living in the city."

Moving without much speed: "The slow traffic this morning resulted in his being late to work."

"The river is deep and slow here, but watch out for the rapids downstream."