flitter

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   to move rapidly and lightly with an irregular, fluttering motion

   A half-formed idea flittered across his mind and vanished.

2. 2
   noun

   something or someone that flits rapidly from place to place

   The tiny bird was a restless flitter among the branches.

A frequentative formation from flit, recorded since Middle English; the ending suggests repeated or rapid movement. It overlaps with flutter and flicker but often emphasizes quick movement from place to place.

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