sléttóstur

Sléttóstur is an Icelandic term that translates roughly to "flat-headed" or "blunt-ended." It is most commonly used in the context of describing animals, particularly livestock, to denote a lack of horns or antlers. This condition is known as polled or hornless in English.

In Icelandic sheep farming, sléttóstur is a desirable trait for many producers. Horned sheep can pose a safety risk to handlers and other animals, and can also cause damage to infrastructure. Therefore, breeding programs have often favored individuals that are naturally sléttóstur. This can occur through natural genetic mutations or selective breeding over generations.

The term can also be used in a more general, metaphorical sense to describe something or someone that is uninspired, dull, or lacking in sharp features, although this usage is less common. The primary and most widely understood meaning relates to the physical characteristic of being hornless.