fluke

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   A lucky or improbable occurrence that could probably never be repeated.

   We've classified by a fluke; actually, the first goal was just a total fluke.

2. 2
   verb

   To obtain a successful outcome by pure chance.

   I fluked a pass in the multiple-choice exam.

3. 3
   verb

   To fortuitously pot a ball in an unintended way.

   He fluked the other red into the middle pocket, despite the double kiss.

4. 4
   noun

   A trematode; a parasitic flatworm of the class Trematoda, related to tapeworms (class Cestoda).

   The man became infected with flukes after eating a meal of raw fish.

Common collocations

• liver fluke Noun + noun

Mid-16th century in the sense of “anchor blade”. Probably the same word as in etymology 2 above or else a related word for something flat (cf. Proto-Germanic *flakaz). A derivation from Middle Low German vlögel (“wing”), from Proto-Germanic *flugilaz, seems phonetically impossible. If anything, related vlōch, vlucht (“flight”, both also “wing”) or even *vlunke (modern Low German Flunk (“wing, pinion”)) are more plausible candidates. Note that the kind of whale's fin is called Fluke in contemporary German, but this is likely from English.

Topics

External links

• Cambridge Dictionary
• Wiktionary
• Google Images