retarder

re·tard ¹  (r-tärd)

v. re·tard·ed, re·tard·ing, re·tards

v.tr.

To cause to move or proceed slowly; delay or impede.

v.intr.

To be delayed.

n.

1. A slowing down or hindering of progress; a delay.

2. Music A slackening of tempo.

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[Middle English retarden, from Old French retarder, from Latin retardre : re-, re- + tardre, to delay (from tardus, slow).]

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re·tarder n.

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re·tard ²  (rtärd)

n. Offensive Slang

1. Used as a disparaging term for a mentally retarded person.

2. A person considered to be foolish or socially inept.

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[Short for retarded.]

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retarder [rɪˈtɑːdə]

n

1. a person or thing that retards

2. (Chemistry) a substance added to slow down the rate of a chemical change, such as one added to cement to delay its setting