fluke

From Wiktionary, the free dictionary
Archived revision by Donnanz (talk | contribs) as of 18:22, 14 January 2020.
Jump to navigation Jump to search
See also: Fluke

English

Pronunciation

  • enPR: flo͞ok
  • Lua error in Module:parameters at line 95: Parameter 1 should be a valid language code; the value "US" is not valid. See WT:LOL. IPA(key): /fluːk/
  • Audio (US)(file)
  • Rhymes: -uːk

Etymology 1

Of uncertain or obscure origin. It seems to have originally referred to a lucky shot at billiards.

Noun

fluke (plural flukes)

  1. A lucky or improbable occurrence, with the implication that the occurrence could not be repeated.
    The first goal was just a fluke.
    • 2020 January 2, David Clough, “How InterCity came back from the brink”, in Rail, page 69:
      That this was not just a fluke was proved by a further profit the following year, albeit cut due to industrial action - jam at last!
Translations

Verb

Lua error in Module:en-headword at line 1152: Legacy parameter 1=STEM no longer supported, just use 'en-verb' without params

  1. To obtain a successful outcome by pure chance.
    I fluked a pass in the multiple-choice exam.
  2. (snooker) To fortuitously pot a ball in an unintended way.
    He fluked the other red into the middle pocket, despite the double kiss.

Related terms

Etymology 2

summer flounder

From Old English floc (“flatfish”), related to Old Norse floke (“flatfish”).

Noun

fluke (plural flukes)

  1. A flounder.
  2. A trematode; a parasitic flatworm of the Trematoda class, related to the tapeworm.
    The man had become infected with flukes after eating a meal of raw fish.
Related terms

Etymology 3

Humpback whale fluke

Possibly as Etymology 2 or from Middle Low German flügel (“wing”).

Noun

fluke (plural flukes)

  1. Either of the two lobes of a whale's or similar creature's tail.
    The dolphin had an open wound on the left fluke of its tail where the propeller had injured it.
  2. (nautical) Any of the triangular blades at the end of an anchor, designed to catch the ground.
    The fluke of the anchor was wedged between two outcroppings of rock and could not be dislodged.
  3. A metal hook on the head of certain staff weapons (such as a bill), made in various forms depending on function, whether used for grappling or to penetrate armour when swung at an opponent.
    The polearm had a wide, sharpened fluke attached to the central point.
  4. In general, a winglike formation on a central piece.
    After casting the bronze statue, we filed down the flukes and spurs from the molding process.
  5. Waste cotton.
Derived terms
Translations
The translations below need to be checked and inserted above into the appropriate translation tables. See instructions at Wiktionary:Entry layout § Translations.

Further reading

Retrieved from "https://en.wiktionary.org/w/index.php?title=fluke&oldid=58414591"