flutter
Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary
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English [edit]
Etymology [edit]
From Middle English floteren, from Old English floterian, flotorian (“to float about, flutter”). Cognate with Low German fluttern, fluddern (“to flutter”) and Albanian flutur (“butterfly”). More at float.
Pronunciation [edit]
Verb [edit]
flutter (third-person singular simple present flutters, present participle fluttering, simple past and past participle fluttered)
- (intransitive) To flap or wave quickly but irregularly.
- flags fluttering in the wind
- 1907, Robert Chambers, chapter 3, The Younger Set[1]:
- Long after his cigar burnt bitter, he sat with eyes fixed on the blaze. When the flames at last began to flicker and subside, his lids fluttered, then drooped ; … .
- (intransitive) Of a winged animal: to flap the wings without flying; to fly with a light flapping of the wings.
- 1900, L. Frank Baum, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
- Banks of gorgeous flowers were on every hand, and birds with rare and brilliant plumage sang and fluttered in the trees and bushes.
- 1900, L. Frank Baum, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
- (transitive) To cause something to flap.
Translations [edit]
to flap or wave quickly
to flap the wings without flying
to cause something to flutter
Noun [edit]
Wikipedia flutter (plural flutters)
- The act of fluttering.
- A state of agitation.
- An abnormal rapid pulsation of the heart.
- (UK) A small bet or risky investment.
- 1915: W. Somerset Maugham, Of Human Bondage, Ch. 93
- "Oh, by the way, I heard of a rather good thing today, New Kleinfonteins; it's a gold mine in Rhodesia. If you'd like to have a flutter you might make a bit."
- So with his victory odds currently at 14/1 or 3/1 for the podium, he's still most certainly well worth a flutter... - Gray Matter: How will Schu do?
- 1915: W. Somerset Maugham, Of Human Bondage, Ch. 93
Derived terms [edit]
Translations [edit]
act of fluttering
abnormal rapid pulsation of heart
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small bet
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