Pronunciation: [slˈab] (IPA) 
The word "slab" is spelled with four letters: s-l-a-b. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is pronounced /slæb/. The first letter, "s," represents the voiceless alveolar fricative. The letter "l" is the lateral approximant, and the "a" sound is pronounced as the short "æ" vowel. Finally, the letter "b" is the voiced bilabial stop, where you close your lips to make the sound before releasing it.
A slab is a flat, thick, and elongated piece of stone, wood, or other solid material. It is characterized by its even, regular shape and smooth surface. Slabs are commonly used in construction and architecture as building materials for a variety of purposes. In stonemasonry, slabs are often created by cutting large blocks of stone into rectangular or square shapes. Stone slabs are widely employed in flooring, countertops, and decorative surfaces, as they provide durability, stability, and an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Additionally, slabs can refer to a thick slice or portion of certain foods. For instance, in the culinary domain, a slab of meat refers to a generous cut of animal protein, typically grilled or roasted. Chocolate slabs are large, solid blocks of chocolate often used as a base for creating various desserts or confections.
Moreover, the term "slab" is commonly used to describe a flat or level surface, particularly in the field of geology. Slabs can be found in natural formations, such as rock strata or mineral deposits, and can be composed of various materials like limestone, granite, or shale. These slabs can provide valuable information about the earth's history, as they are often layered and contain fossilized remains or geological imprints.
A thin flat piece of marble or other stone; a flat mass of metal; the outside plant of a log of timber.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "slab" originated from Middle English and can be traced back to the Old English word "slæb". It is believed to have evolved from the Proto-Germanic root word "slaban", which means "to slant" or "slope". Initially, "slab" referred to a large, flat stone used for various purposes, such as paving or roofing. Over time, its meaning expanded to encompass any large, flat, and broad surface or object.
