intransitive verb

1. to flap the wings rapidly, as in short flight or without flying at all
2. to wave or vibrate rapidly and irregularly a flag fluttering in the wind
3. to move with quick vibrations, flaps, etc.
4. to be in a state of tremulous excitement; tremble; quiver
5. to move restlessly; bustle

Etymology: ME floteren < OE flotorian, freq. of flotian < base of fleotan: see fleet

transitive verb

1. to cause to move in quick, irregular motions
2. to throw into a state of excitement, alarm, or confusion

noun

1. a fluttering movement; vibration
2. a state of excitement or confusion
3. a condition of the heart in which the contractions are very rapid but generally regular
4. a potentially destructive vibration of a part of an aircraft, as the wing, caused by aerodynamic forces
5. Brit. a small gamble or speculation
6. 1. a rapid fluctuation in the amplitude of a reproduced sound
   2. a flicker in the image on a television screen