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.

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.

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