English

Pronunciation

• Rhymes: -uːk

Noun

1. A lucky or improbable occurrence, with the implication that the occurrence could not be repeated.

   The first goal was just a fluke.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. A flounder.

   1949 The Origin of Medical Terms Henry Skinner

   The fluke or flounder is a flat fish and the parasitic worm was so-named from a fancied resemblance to the fish.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. In general, an offshoot from a central piece.

   After casting the bronze statue, we filed down the flukes and spurs from the molding process.

Related terms

• flukey/fluky
• flukeworm

Translations