1. Mollusk: This is the most common meaning. A slug is a type of gastropod mollusk that lacks a shell, or has a very reduced shell. They are often found in gardens and forests.
2. Projectile: In the context of weaponry, a slug is a solid projectile fired from a shotgun. It is typically heavier and has a higher velocity than a traditional shotgun pellet.
3. Unit of Measurement: A slug is a unit of mass in the US customary system and is equal to 32.174 pounds. It's not often used in everyday life.
4. URL Identifier: In web development, a slug is a part of a URL that identifies a specific piece of content. It's typically a shorter, more readable version of the content's title, using only letters, numbers, and hyphens.
5. Colloquial: The term "slug" can also be used colloquially to describe something that is:
* Slow or sluggish: "The traffic was a real slug today."
* A person who is uninspiring or boring: "He's such a slug, always just sitting around."
* A small amount of money: "I only have a few slugs in my pocket."
To understand the meaning of "slug" in a particular context, you need to consider the surrounding words and phrases.