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fluke1 definition

fluke (flo̵̅o̅k)

noun

  1. any of various flatfishes, esp. a genus (Paralichthys) of flounders
  2. trematode

Etymology: ME floke < OE floc, akin to ON floki < IE base *plāg-, broad, flat > flag, Ger flach, flat, level

fluke2 definition

fluke (flo̵̅o̅k)

noun

  1. a pointed part of an anchor, designed to catch in the ground
  2. ☆ a barb or barbed head of an arrow, harpoon, etc.
  3. either of the two lobes of a whale's tail

Etymology: prob. < fluke, with reference to shape

fluke3 definition

fluke (flo̵̅o̅k)

noun

  1. Slang an accidentally good or lucky stroke in billiards, pool, etc.
  2. Informal a result, esp. a successful one, brought about by accident; stroke of luck

Etymology: < ?

transitive verb fluked, fluking fluk′·ing

Informal to hit or get by a fluke

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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