flutter

(flŭtˈər)

1. To wave or flap rapidly in an irregular manner: curtains that fluttered in the breeze.
2. a. To fly by a quick light flapping of the wings.
   b. To flap the wings without flying.
3. To move or fall in a manner suggestive of tremulous flight: “Her arms rose, fell, and fluttered with the rhythm of the song” (Evelyn Waugh).
4. To vibrate or beat rapidly or erratically: My heart fluttered wildly.
5. To move quickly in a nervous, restless, or excited fashion; flit.

1. The act of fluttering.
2. A condition of nervous excitement or agitation: Everyone was in a flutter over the news that the director was resigning.
3. A commotion; a stir.
4. Pathology Abnormally rapid pulsation, especially of the atria or ventricles of the heart.
5. Rapid fluctuation in the pitch of a sound reproduction resulting from variations in the speed of the recording or reproducing equipment.
6. Chiefly British A small bet; a gamble: “If they like a flutter, Rick will get them better odds than the bookies” (John le Carré).

Related Forms:

• flutˈter·er noun

• flutˈter·y adjective