Meanings
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1
noun
a broad, flat limb adapted for swimming in animals such as whales, seals, turtles, and plesiosaurs
The turtle used its powerful front flippers to move through the water.
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2
noun
a rubber or plastic fin worn on the foot to help a swimmer or diver move through water
The diver adjusted one flipper before entering the sea.
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3
noun
a flat lever in a pinball machine that the player operates to strike the ball
He pressed the button just in time to move the left flipper.
Thesaurus
Etymology
Formed from flip + the agent or instrument suffix -er. The animal limb was named for its broad, flexible movement; the swimming aid and pinball lever were later named for their resemblance in shape or action. Compare Saterland Frisian Flappert ("flipper, wing").