Fluke

Pronunciation

• Rhymes: -uːk

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

Full definition of fluke

Noun

1. A lucky or improbable occurrence, with the implication that the occurrence could not be repeated.The first goal was just a fluke.

Verb

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

• flukey/fluky

Old English floc ("flatfish"), related to Old Norse floke ("flatfish")

Noun

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

• flukeworm

Possibly as Etymology 2 or from Middle Low German flügel ("wing")

Noun

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.

Derived terms

• turn flukes